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Detection and Management of Central Sleep Apnea 0

Aug 16, 2010 | Uncategorized

Central Cpap Sleep Apnea is a condition wherein there are sudden halts in breathing that is noticed to be repeated throughout the duration of sleep. If someone is sleeping beside you like a spouse or a family member, they will be the one to notice if you are experiencing this kind of condition. They will be troubled with the way you breathe while sleeping. That is why if somebody gets your attention and tells you that you sleep this way then you better learn more about it and take action of what you can do to resolve it.

The main cause of this sleeping problem is in your brain specifically the brain stem. The central organ of the body which is the brain does not send proper signals to your respiratory muscles. People who are highly at risk for having central sleep apnea are those who have heart problems, stroke and brain tumor which are linked to impairment in the ability of the brain to send signals. Males are more inclined to develop this kind of problem than females and those who are taking opioids are highly at risk.

You may need sleep apnea support when you experience symptoms like abnormal breathing patterns during sleep and when you suddenly wake up at night due to this interruption. You may have a problem to go back to sleep again and the shortness of breath is only relieved when you try to sit up on your bed. Due to the lack of sleep at night, you will tend to make up for it during the day and it can affect your work and the activities that you do during the day.

When you experience this kind of problem while sleeping, you must consult your physician immediately, a series of questions will be asked and you will undergo different tests to properly diagnose central sleep apnea. Through your consultation with a doctor, you will be able also to ask some of your concerns and let your partner or someone who have noticed the symptoms go with you. This will also help the doctor provide you with the right medications and treatment to prevent any complications.

Cpap Sleep Apnea machines for sleep apnea are used as one of the treatment for this sleeping problem. CPAP means continuous positive airway pressure wherein you will wear a mask that is attached to the machine that will supply pressurized air and thus controls your breathing while sleeping. You will be properly instructed as to how to use it. It may be uncomfortable while sleeping but you will be accustomed to it in time. However, if it interrupts your sleep, you can talk it over with your physician and adjustments can be made like placing a pillow to provide you comfort.

This sleeping problem can threaten your life if you will not seek medical attention immediately as soon as you notice the symptoms. It is better that you will ask the advice of the physician so that your sleeping pattern will not be disrupted and management can be done immediately.

Sleep apnea support is done to the patients diagnosed with this kind of sleeping problem. Treatment is done instantly as soon as the problem is detected using different methods like the use of CPAP machines. To learn more about how this machine works, visit http://cpapsleepapnea.org/.

helen mae quinn is a simple woman that loves to explore and share things through writing. She loves to share her knowledge to the usrs who care to understand everything about Cpap Sleep Apnea. Go and visit free Cpap Sleep Apneat website to get plenty of more information. Come and visit us at: http://cpapsleepapnea.org/

Tags: apnea, Central, Detection, Management, sleep

Are You Suffering From Sleep Apnea Syndrome ? 0

Aug 10, 2010 | Uncategorized

If you’re snoring loud enough to wake up yourself and your partner, then this could be a sign of sleep apnea syndrome. This sleep disorder occurs when the upper airway is blocked by the narrowing of the respiratory passages.


However, apnea can have a serious impact on your health if it’s left untreated. Besides daytime sleepiness, people with apnea can also suffer from hypertension, depression and even heart disease. In this article, we’ll explain how this sleep disorder works and what you can do to get a better night’s rest.


Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea and is due to an obstruction in the throat during sleep. The narrowing of the upper airway can be a result of several factors including inherent physical characteristics, excess weight, and alcohol consumption before going to bed.


Central sleep apnea is caused by a delay in the signal from the brain to breath. With both obstructive and central apnea you must wake up briefly to breathe, sometimes hundreds of times during the night. Usually there is no memory of these brief awakenings.


Sleep apnea syndrome can lead to life threatening illnesses if it’s not treated properly. Consequently, it’s important to know the signs. Loud snoring and gasping are the most common symptoms. Patients also frequently complain of excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, night sweats, and having to go to the bathroom several times during the night.


The side effects of it range from mild to severe and include high blood pressure, depression, difficulty concentrating and reduced libido. More severe cases can lead to heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat and heart disease. In addition to the health impact, sleep deprivation can impact your life socially.


A sleep test, called polysomnography is usually done in a disorder center to diagnose apnea. Mild cases of sleep apnea syndrome are usually treated by some behavioral changes like losing weight or sleeping on your side. There are also mouth devices that can help keep the airway open by bringing the jaw forward, elevating the soft palate or preventing the tongue from falling back into the airway and blocking breathing.


Moderate to severe apnea is usually treated with a CPAP mask and a CPAP machine. This machine blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. Some people have facial deformities that may cause the apnea. There are several other surgical apnea treatments like removing excess tissue to clear the airway, moving the tongue forward, and moving the upper and lower jaw forward.


Sleep apnea syndrome is a progressive condition that gets worse as you age, so it’s important to take it seriously. The symptoms of apnea can be made worse by obesity and alcohol consumption, so lifestyle changes should supplement the treatments that your doctor recommends. Taking care of this sleep disorder will allow you to live a healthier – and more restful – life.

Discover more information about sleep apnea syndrome from Mike Selvon educational portal. We appreciate your feedback at our sleep disorder treatment blog.

Tags: apnea, From, sleep, Suffering, syndrome

How Cpap Treats Sleep Deprivation 0

Aug 07, 2010 | Uncategorized

When a person suffers from sleep deprivation, it is certain that their waking state will be affected. The disappointing fact about sleep disorders is that most people have suffered from it at least at one point in their lives. Though there are sleep disorders that are transient, some are actually stricken with the affliction for years, and even decades. Insomnia, for one, affects a considerable percentage of the world’s population. Ten to fifteen percent of the population has severe chronic insomnia, while another twenty-five to thirty percent has occasional or transient insomnia. However, insomnia is just one kind of sleep disorder that causes sleep deprivation. There is sleep apnea, which is characterized by the breathing pauses in a person’s sleeping state. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), on the other hand, is characterized by a person’s inability to wake up or fall asleep at his or her desired times.

Sleep deprivation, due to several sleep disorders, causes sleepiness, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, disorientation when the person is awake. Many people have opted to use medications to help them with their affliction, and others have relied on natural remedies (lemon balm, kava, chamomile, oats, drinking warm milk, etc.) or methods (adjusting sleeping time, refurbishing their sleeping environment, exercise, etc.). Though there are some treatments that are left to be desired for their side effects (and yes, even some herbal remedies can have adverse side effects), there is a machine invented to treat sleep deprivation.

Treating sleep deprivation with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) can work to relieve someone from their sleeplessness. Through a method of ventilating the respiratory system, this machine is usually used to treat people who suffer from sleep apnea or hypnoapnea. It can also help a person’s snoring problem. Treating sleep deprivation with CPAP does have its limitation. For example, when it comes to sleep apnea, CPAP can only treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is characterized by the constriction of the airways, but CPAP cannot treat central sleep apnea, which is caused by the break of communication between the brain and the body’s breathing pace.

A CPAP machine works by feeding pressurized air to the person through a mask. The machine keeps the airflow at a certain pressure, and this prevents the airways from getting constricted. A CPAP is not usually operated by the patients themselves. A professional generally manages the machine, and people have to go to a clinic (like a sleep clinic) to get this treatment. The pressure is adjusted according to how it eliminates apneas or snoring.

People who have tried this treatment may experience some discomfort in the beginning, especially when subjected to a mask (which normally has hoses for the nose, and such). Some struggle to get used to the machine. On the other hand, most were able to adjust to this method. Moreover, when administered by a trained technician, treating sleep deprivation with CPAP does not have any side effects, unlike other sleep disorder mediations or herbal remedies. It can be a bit costly, though. Yet it is also advisable for people to try this method and see if it works well for their sleeping disorders.


Related Articles:

Sleeping aids for Insomnia Reviewed

Teenage Sleep Deprivation

Tags: cpap, Deprivation, sleep, Treats

Update yourself on Sleep Apnea 0

Aug 04, 2010 | Uncategorized

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder in which patient stops breathing during sleep. In this disorder, patient’s brain alerts him/her to resume the breathing process. And it ultimately results in severe snoring making loud snorts and gasping noises irritating to ears.

People suffering from this problem do not enjoy a sound sleep and thus experience many ailments related to the sleeping disorders such as lack of concentration, fatigue, week immune system, and weight gain. Also, due to lack of sleep, they tend to fall asleep while driving, listening to their employers, or spouses, or at meetings.

This disorder can be caused by smoking and alcohol use, excessive weight, and having a large neck. Among these factors, family history of this disorder also contributes to the factors. As such, there are three types of Sleep Apnea that are ( obstructive ) ( central ) and ( mixed )

We shall discuss here all three types one by one. OSA is an acronym of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It is one of the most common forms of . While you are asleep, the soft tissues in the back of the throat can collapse due to one or the other reasons. In this type of , you experience a stop in breathing process several times, often for a minute or longer. Central Sleep Apnea is a type in which brain stops alerting and messaging the muscles to breath. In this case brain is the main culprit. Then it is Mixed Sleep Apnea. As the name itself suggests, it is a combination of the other two above mentioned conditions/types. In this condition, your brain fails to remind your muscles to breathe by the fully or partially blockage of air passage.

If you have mild disorder, memory foam mattress significantly diminishes the chances. The memory foam mattress is a revolutionary mattress that helps you to sleep better at night. Apart from the memory foam mattress treatment, sleep apnea can also be treated by the changes in lifestyle, Surgery, medications, a mouthpiece, and a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).To wrap up, this perticular sleep disorder if left untreated can create nuisance and an embarrassing situation to the person who is suffering from this disorder.

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Tags: apnea, sleep, Update, yourself

Types of Sleep Apnea 0

Aug 01, 2010 | Uncategorized

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by a reduction or cessation of breathing and air flow during sleep. It is common among adults but very rare in children. An apnea is a period of time during which breathing stops or is significantly reduced. Simply put, an apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for ten seconds or more. Apneas usually occur during sleep. When an apnea occurs, sleep is disrupted. Sometimes this means the person wakes up completely, but sometimes this can mean the person comes out of a deep level of sleep. Apneas are usually measured during sleep over a two-hour period.

Three Types of Sleep Apnea

The three types of sleep apneas are central sleep apnea (CSA), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and mixed sleep apnea (a combination of the two).

During sleep, the brain instructs the muscles of breathing to take a breath. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send the signal to the muscle to take a breath, and there is no muscular effort to take a breath. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the brain sends the signal to the muscles and the muscles make an effort to take a breath but are unsuccessful because the airway becomes obstructed and prevents the flow of air. The third type of sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea, occurs when there is both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

CSA and its Causes

CSA occurs when the brain does not send the signal to the muscles of breathing. This type of apnea usually occurs in infants or adults with heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or congenital diseases, but CSA can also be caused by some medications and high altitudes.

CSA, when occurring in premature infants, is defined as apnea lasting more than 20 seconds, usually with a change in heart rate, a reduction in blood oxygen, or hypotonia (a general relaxation of the body’s muscles). CSA is not the same thing as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

OSA

People with obstructive sleep apnea have an airway that is more narrow than normal, usually at the base of the tongue and palate. When lying flat, the palate is above the air passage. When the pharyngeal muscles relax, the palate can fall backwards obstructing the airway. Patients with OSA often do not report waking up during the night.

OSA can cause the following medical problems (just to name a few):

· High blood pressure

· Heart problems

· Weight gain

· Constant tiredness

· Diabetes

· Slow metabolism

· Memory/concentration problems

· Depression

· Anxiety

· Sore throat

· Dry mouth

To learn more about the types of sleep apnea and what treatments are available, please contact Chicago-area cosmetic dentist Dr. Ira Shapira for more information regarding how treatment of sleep apnea can change the way you sleep and the way you live.

Tags: apnea, sleep, Types

Sleep Apnea and Oximeter 0

Jul 30, 2010 | Uncategorized

Apnea, or ‘Apnoea’, is a technical term for suspension of breathing. An apnea event is defined as a breath cessation for a minimum of 10 minutes, with a neurological arousal and/or a blood oxygen desaturation of three to four or greater. Sleep apnea is a breath disorder during sleep which may cause serious consequences such as heart failure.

There are three types of sleep apnea are central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea (the combination of the two types). Central sleep apnea is caused by the imbalance of brain respiratory control center, while obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the obstruction of airway by decreased muscle tone or increased soft tissue around the airway (e.g. obesity or aging). Obstructive sleep apnea makes up about 84% of sleep apnea cases; the complex sleep apnea makes up about 15% and the central sleep apnea makes up 0.4%. [1]

The symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea commonly include loud snoring, restless sleep, and sleepiness during the daytime. The treatment of this type of sleep apnea is usually the use of breathing treatments, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Other habits that contribute to symptoms of sleep apnea is smoking, drinking alcohol, or losing large amounts of weight.

Due to the drop of oxygen level and increase of carbon dioxide level during sleep, hypoxia and hypercapnia are usually the results of central sleep apnea. Consequently, hypoxia and hypercapnia have effects on human body and could result in more serious health issues, angina, arrhythmias, heart attacks or at worst sudden death. [2]

Diagnostic tests of sleep apnea include home oximetry or polysomnograph readings in a sleep clinic. Oximeters that measures blood oxygen levels are a necessary device to measure normal stats in a person’s body while their asleep. According to the results of a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine.

“The practical purpose of diagnostic assessment in most cases of obstructive sleep apnea is to predict which patients have symptoms that will improve on treatment. Portable monitors record primarily oxygen saturation, can be used at home without supervision, and are cheaper [than polysomnography].”

OctiveTech oximeters offer a flexible and affordable way for sleep apnea sufferers and their doctors to monitor their blood saturation during sleep. We especially recommend the handhelds that alarm at a certain low blood oxygen concentration.

References:
[1] Mayo Clinic Discovers New Type Of Sleep Apnea, ScienceDaily, 2006
[2] Sleep apnea, Wikipedia

Disclaimer:
The information on this website aims to provide customers with relevant knowledge regarding our products. Under no circumstances should the information be used for therapeutic purposes. Customers must consult their doctors for the correct use of these information and products. ClinicalGuard.com is not responsible for any losses or accidents caused by the use of information on this website.

Tags: apnea, Oximeter, sleep

How to Treat Sleep Apnea 0

Jul 27, 2010 | Uncategorized

The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea means “cessation of breath.” It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, and a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages.

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by a reduction or cessation (pause of breathing, airflow) during sleep. It is common among adults but rare among children. There are two types of sleep apnea, the more common obstructive sleep apnea and the less common central sleep apnea, both of which will be described later in this article.

Behavioral changes

Behavioral changes are an important part of the treatment program, and in mild cases behavioral therapy may be all that is needed. The individual should avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills, which make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep and prolong the apneic periods. Overweight persons can benefit from losing weight. Even a 10 percent weight loss can reduce the number of apneic events for most patients. In some patients with mild sleep apnea, breathing pauses occur only when they sleep on their backs. In such cases, using pillows and other devices that help them sleep in a side position is often helpful.

Weight loss

Sleep apnea can be weight-related. Additional fat around the neck may make the airway narrower, making obstructions more likely to occur. For some overweight people, especially those with mild cases, losing weight can be an effective treatment. Or weight loss may reduce the severity of the sleep apnea. However, it may be hard to lose weight when you have untreated sleep apnea: you may be too tired to exercise and you may eat to stay awake. Also, it may take some time before the weight loss is achieved, so in light of the potential consequences of untreated OSA, using another treatment option while working towards the weight loss goal may be an option.

Pressure requirements

The optimal pressure to use in CPAP therapy is determined in a sleep laboratory study, during which the degree of apnea is monitored with various mask adjustments and increasing levels of air pressure. Pressures are measured in centimeters of water and can vary from 3 to 20 cm, with most patients requiring 6 to 12 cm of pressure to reduce their respiratory disturbance index to fewer than 10 events per hour.

Sleep on your side

People who experience sleep apnea only when they sleep on their backs can benefit from special pillows or folk remedies that encourage side-sleeping, such as the “tennis ball trick” (putting a tennis ball under you to make back-sleeping uncomfortable).

Pulse oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method which allows health care providers to monitor the oxygenation of a patient’s blood. A sensor is placed on a relatively thin part of the patient’s anatomy, usually a fingertip or earlobe, and red and infrared light is passed from one side to the other. Based upon the ratio of absorption of the red and infrared light caused by the difference in color between oxygen-bound (red) and unbound (blue) hemoglobin in the capillary bed, an approximation of oxygena.

Oral appliances

Another option is wearing an oral appliance designed to keep your throat open. CPAP is more effective than oral appliances, but oral appliances may be easier for you to use. Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Read about Herbal Remedies, Natural Remedies. Also read about Breast Enlargement and Breast Enhancement and Dogs Cats Health, Pets Health Guide

Tags: apnea, sleep, Treat

Sleep Apnea Cures 0

Jul 24, 2010 | Uncategorized

Whilst sleep apnea is a very serious and progressive disorder, it is also highly treatable in a variety of different ways. How sleep apnea is treated depends entirely on the cause and type of sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is by nature an obstruction within the airways which inhibits breathing during sleep. For this type of sleep apnea cures may be available to some people, it all depends on what is causing the obstruction.

In the case of the clinically obese, the tissues of the airways can bulk out due to fat tissue, causing the air passage to become narrower making it harder for air to pass through. If an obese person lost as much of their weight as possible, their air passages would be much more open and they would breathe much easier.

Quitting smoking or drinking can also help some suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Smoking inflames the tissues of the airways causing narrowing, whilst alcohol is a depressant causing the muscles and tissues of the airways to relax and close.

One of the most bizarre treatments for some Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers is playing the Australian instrument the didgeridoo. Because of how the didgeridoo is played, over time the throat muscles and tissues tone up so aren’t so prone to collapsing during sleep. As strange as this treatment may be, it really is worth a shot as studies show it can drastically improve or even cure Obstructive Sleep Apnea in some.

Surgery may also be used to treat some Obstructive Sleep Apnea sufferers by surgically removing or reducing the obstruction thus widening the airways. Commonly, the tonsils or adenoids aren’t helping matters so are removed. Devices are also sometimes used which can force the lower jaw forward during sleep, thus opening the airways, whilst some devices may hold the tongue in place to prevent it from flopping back over the airways during sleep.

For other people, there are mechanical treatments such as sleeping whilst hooked up to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) system. This device works simply by keeping the airways open with air pressure.

Another tip for people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea is to lie on your side during sleep. By lying on your back, the tissues of the throat and the tongue tend to collapse backwards causing obstruction. Lying on your side this doesn’t happen so much. Remembering this whilst you are awake and reading is one thing, but you are still likely to end up lying on your back at some point during sleep. For this there is another bizarre yet extremely effective tactic you can employ. If you have pyjama trousers with back pockets you can put a tennis ball inside each pocket. Now, if during the course of sleep you attempt to lie on your back, you will find this uncomfortable and instinctively manoeuvre to lie on your side again.

If you don’t have these kinds of pyjamas, you can always modify some you do have to accommodate a tennis ball or two.

If the cause of obstruction can be identified, then the suitable form of treatment can be provided.

Central Sleep Apnea isn’t a physical obstruction, but a glitch in the brains signals which result in the lungs not been given the instruction to breathe from time to time. A person may go for seconds or even a few minutes without drawing breath. Unfortunately, as this is a neurological issue, there is no permanent fix CPAP may sometimes be used to treat Central Sleep Apnea, although depending on the individual, a person will usually be put on a course of prescribed drugs which they may respond extremely well to.

Detailed information about sleep apnea is available at http://www.sleep-apnea.org.uk

Tags: apnea, Cures, sleep

All About Sleep Apnea 0

Jul 21, 2010 | Uncategorized

Do you feel restless, have morning headaches, feel irritated, is forgetful, sweat at night, frequently go to the toilet etc? If yes, then you are probably suffering from sleep apnea.

This is a type of sleep disorder in which the patient suffers from pauses in breathing while asleep. In layman terms, the person while asleep forgets to breathe, which causes restless sleep and consequent problems associated with lack of sleep. Its most serious consequence is to the heart and may lead to congestive heart failure.

Symptoms:
The main symptoms are restless sleep, loud snoring with silent periods in between followed by gasping, morning headaches, forgetfulness, mood changes, anxiety, depression, frequently urinating, sweating at night, bedwetting, increased heart rate etc. However the individual suffering from sleep apnea does not feel difficulty in breathing. A spouse is the best person to indicate whether the individual has breathing problems.

Diagnosis:
A definite diagnosis is obtained by polysomnography. Polysomnography is a multi parametric test for studying sleep. It monitors brain function (EEG), eye function (EOG), muscle function (EMG), heart function (ECG), breathing function etc.

Types:
There are two types of sleep apnea Central sleep apnea and Obstructive sleep apnea. In central sleep apnea, the breathing is paused due to lack of effort. In obstructive sleep apnea the breathing is blocked even though there is an effort to breathe.

People With High Risk:
Sleeping problems affects both children and adults. Obese people, individuals with flabby muscles, increased soft tissue near the airway, heavy face and neck etc are more at risk compared to normal individuals. Children mostly suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and are usually over tired or hyper. Due to this condition the children tend to be thin and not grow properly.

Treatment:
The treatment deals with removing the obstruction from breathing. In children the obstruction is usually due to tonsils or adenoids and are cured by tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. In adults if the obstruction is due to enlarged lymphoid tissues, then steroids are prescribed to reduce the swelling. Medicines like methylxanthine theophylline and amphetamines are also used in the treatment.

Life style changes are also advised such as avoiding alcohol, medicines like muscle relaxants and sedatives, losing weight, quitting smoking etc. Some times, changing the pillow or changing the direction (sideways, on back, on chest) also helps. Avoiding sleeping on the back is very effective. For this keep a tennis ball in the back pocket of your trouser, this way it will be uncomfortable to sleep on the back and you will unknowingly shift to sleep sideways.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a strong method used when other methods are not working. In this method an oxygen mask with positive air pressure is attached to the patient while sleeping. Many people have found relief from using CPAP. Neurostimulation is under study to treat the disorder from a neurological angle.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews.
A related resource is Insomnia – Free Tips!
Further information can be found at Phobia, Quit Smoking…

Tags: About, apnea, sleep

Sleep Apnea: It Can Take Your Breath Away (but Not In A Good Way) 0

Jul 18, 2010 | Uncategorized

You know the feeling you get when you see an attractive person? It feels like your heart stops beating for a few seconds and you can’t seem to breathe, let alone find a way to put together a sentence and speak to that person.

Now think about this: what if the same thing happened to you in your sleep? You probably wouldn’t believe that it could happen. However, it can, and it happens to millions of people each night. It’s called sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea? Well, sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that often causes you to stop breathing for several seconds. When you stop breathing, it causes a sharp drop in oxygen in your blood and interrupts your sleep. Sleep apnea can signal a more serious health problem that can be dangerous if not treated.

So now that you know the answer to ‘what is sleep apnea’, how do you know if you suffer from it? Well, if you wake up in the middle of the night with a strong urge to go to the bathroom, you may have it. Or, if you snore, feel tired all day or wake up gasping for air, you may suffer from sleep apnea as well.

If you think you suffer from sleep apnea, visit your doctor as soon as possible. He will be able to answer your questions, like “what is sleep apnea” and then actually diagnose it by administering a sleep study commonly known as polysomnography and a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure.)

Your doctor will also be able to determine what form of sleep apnea you have: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA.) Obstructive sleep apnea is cause by the obstruction of the air path, usually by swelling, an enlarged uvula or fat (common in obese people.) The obstructions reduce the amount of oxygen that can go into the lungs, thus causing the person to gasp for air because there isn’t enough going in. Obstructive sleep apnea needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible because it can cause other health problems like hypertension.

Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn’t send the appropriate signals to the respiratory muscles. When the signals aren’t there, the muscles don’t know to breathe and breathing will stop for an extended period of time-usually ten to twenty seconds. Central sleep apnea is prevalent in people who had cardiovascular problems as infants or have congenital heart defects. To treat central sleep apnea, the underlying cause (heart problems) must be treated too.

When someone tells you that they have problems sleeping, ask them if they have sleep apnea. If they ask you, “what is sleep apnea,” you can educate them and help them seek treatment. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause more health problems in life. See a doctor right away if you think you may have sleep apnea. Seeking treatment early is the key to fixing the problem, getting a better night’s sleep and preventing major health problems down the line.

What can you tell your friends (who haven’t read this article) who ask you what is sleep apnea? Tell them to ask the sleep experts! We have the answer to that and information on all kinds of sleeping aids like cpap humidifiers. We also help answer your questions and concerns about the safety of melatonin. Come visit us today and get a good night’s sleep tonight!

Tags: apnea, Away, Breath, Good, sleep, Take