1. The Common Apnea
Apnea means not taking a breath. That is exactly what happens in both central and obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common of the two sleep disorders. What happens is the airway becomes obstructed by either the tongue rolling back or the uvula becoming floppy and blocking the airway. Other times a person may be born with a narrow airway. As the airway becomes blocked apnea occurs. The result is a lack of oxygen going to the brain. Fortunately your brain realizes this and causes you to wake up and take a breath.
2. It Can Lead to Multiple Problems
Not breathing while you sleep sounds scary and it can lead to serious medical problems. Because of the constant sleep interruptions a person with sleep apnea may suffer from daytime sleepiness. Driving while sleepy is a major cause of car accidents. Because of the decrease in oxygen levels the heart has to work harder and changes take place in the body. People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure, a stroke or a heart attack.
3. Being Overweight Can Be a Cause
Some people are born with a narrow airway which may make them more prone to airway obstructions. Structural abnormalities such as enlarged adenoids or deformities of the nose may lead to obstructive sleep apnea. A major cause of sleep apnea is being overweight. The extra weight may cause the neck to become larger and this causes the throat to push on the airway narrowing it and causing a blockage.
4. More Than Snoring
You may have been told you snore when you sleep but that's just one of several symptoms. Your bed partner may have also witnessed you stop breathing briefly and hear a gasp as you take a breath. Symptoms you may be aware of in addition to daytime sleepiness are problems with memory and morning headaches. Due to the disruption in sleep some people develop depression.
5. Sleep Tight
If a doctor suspects you have sleep apnea he or she will perform an exam take a medical history and order a sleep study. During the study a technician will monitor your brain waves, oxygen levels and sleep pattern. This will help the physician determine if you have apnea. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as losing weight or wearing a dental device which may help prevent the obstruction. In some cases a CPAP machine is the preferred treatment. CPAP is pressure delivered to your airway through a device you wear while you sleep. It helps keep the airways open.
