Sleep apnea is a form of sleeping disorder that can be observed by having pauses in breathing while the person who has this is sleeping. Each episode causes a person to miss out one or more breaths and may repeat continuously throughout their sleep. The fact that this causes you to stop breathing even for short periods of time means that this can be dangerous. This disorder poses a great risk to your health if you will not act in order to improve your condition.
More about the Disorder
There are two kinds of this sleeping disorder that are known as obstructive and central. The obstructive kind is when you feel like something is blocking your throat as you sleep that is why you stop breathing. The central kind refers to the act of your brain as it send the wrong signal to the muscles of your body that causes you to lack sleep and feel restless all along.
The most obvious symptom of this disorder is the sound of the sufferer's snore. Instead of the usual and more common kind that most people create as sounds of their snore, you will hear something that sounds more of a grunt. Aside from the snore, you will stop breathing for short periods of time as you sleep through the night of you have this disorder. You will also suffer from morning headaches because you are not getting proper amount of rest. Other symptoms include urinating often at night, getting mood swings, dry mouth, impotence for men and depression. As a result of your sleeping patterns, you will feel tired and sleepy during the day.
Be Alert
The first thing that you need to do at this case is to accept the fact that you have this sickness. This is the only way for you to detect the causes of such disorder and you can start finding solutions to the problem. You must not take this lightly even if you are still able to sleep even if you are no longer getting enough amount of rest.
If you will think and accept that this is only normal, you may find the situation getting worse as time passes by. If you will allow this to happen, you may be surprised one day that you can no longer do anything to cure it on your own but instead, you have to resort to expensive medications and you may even be required to undergo surgical procedures.
Some of the causes of this disorder include obesity, enlarged tonsils, old age, high blood pressure, vices like smoking and alcohol and family history. You have to take the matter seriously. If you have to conduct brief research about the topic, do it and do it fast. You need to help yourself resolve the problem before it gets too complicated to handle. This may cause your other ailments like heart problems and high blood pressure to get worse.
This disorder happens more likely with men than on women. And this occurs at people who are 65 years or older. Women become more prone to get this disorder after menopause or when they get too much excess fats and become overweight.
You must not ignore sleep apnea. You have to act on it while you still can. You can consult dental professionals about how they can help you in this regard.
You can also try to improve your condition by keeping your body fit, healthy and strong.
What Sleep Apnea Is
There are several known sleeping disorders that are commonly diagnosed in people. One of which is sleep apnea. This disorder happens when a sleeping person experiences several pauses in breathing or indicates shallow taking in of air. Usually, breathing pauses involved could last a few seconds to even several minutes. In most cases, such breathing pauses happen about 10 to 30 times (sometimes more) in just an hour. This is the reason why many people are very much alarmed when they incur this sleeping disorder.
In reality, sleep apnea is usually considered as chronic or ongoing. It is a condition that often leads to disrupted sleep and could happen in a person for about three or sometimes more nights every single week. The affected person often suddenly moves out of deep sleep and goes into a very light sleep as breathing pauses or becomes very shallow. It is also observed that when the person resumes normal breathing after a sleep apnea attack, he creates a loud choking sound or snort.
Needless to say, sleep apnea is resulting to poor quality sleep, making the person tired and restless all day. The condition has been identified by experts as among the main causes of inevitable and excessive daytime sleepiness. Contrary to what others usually think, sleep apnea is not normal. It could be very risky.
Often, the disorder goes undiagnosed. No doctor could ever detect the condition upon patient consultation or visit. It is not detected through blood tests. In fact, most people who are affected by sleep apnea are not aware that they have the condition during their sleep. It is usually a bed partner or a close family member who first notices manifestations and symptoms of sleep apnea. This is the reason why it is considered very dangerous, especially if its sufferer is often sleeping alone.
There are even several types of sleep apnea. The most common of such kinds is what is called as obstructive sleep apnea. It is noted that when the condition happens, the airway collapses or gets blocked during sleep. This blockage may lead to breathing pauses or shallow breathing. Loud snoring is produced when air squeezes past this blockage. Obstructive type of sleep apnea is often manifested by overweight people, though experts warn that it could also likely affect anyone.
Another type of sleep apnea is what is called as central sleep apnea. It is a less common kind of this sleep disorder. It happens when the specific brain area that controls breathing fail to send correct signals to breathing muscles during sleep. The result: the affected person makes no effort to breathe during sleep, but only for just a few seconds. In many cases, central sleep apnea combines with the obstructive type. In some people, central sleep apnea could occur solely. Unlike in obstructive type, snoring is not common to people experiencing central sleep apnea.
There are other factors to consider when looking at sleep apnea. First, it has been found that the condition could raise the risk for heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. It could also increase risks for heart failure.
There is of course irregular heartbeats and there is a risk that the affected person may experience driving or work-related accidents, probably due to lack of sleep or sleepiness.
In reality, sleep apnea is usually considered as chronic or ongoing. It is a condition that often leads to disrupted sleep and could happen in a person for about three or sometimes more nights every single week. The affected person often suddenly moves out of deep sleep and goes into a very light sleep as breathing pauses or becomes very shallow. It is also observed that when the person resumes normal breathing after a sleep apnea attack, he creates a loud choking sound or snort.
Needless to say, sleep apnea is resulting to poor quality sleep, making the person tired and restless all day. The condition has been identified by experts as among the main causes of inevitable and excessive daytime sleepiness. Contrary to what others usually think, sleep apnea is not normal. It could be very risky.
Often, the disorder goes undiagnosed. No doctor could ever detect the condition upon patient consultation or visit. It is not detected through blood tests. In fact, most people who are affected by sleep apnea are not aware that they have the condition during their sleep. It is usually a bed partner or a close family member who first notices manifestations and symptoms of sleep apnea. This is the reason why it is considered very dangerous, especially if its sufferer is often sleeping alone.
There are even several types of sleep apnea. The most common of such kinds is what is called as obstructive sleep apnea. It is noted that when the condition happens, the airway collapses or gets blocked during sleep. This blockage may lead to breathing pauses or shallow breathing. Loud snoring is produced when air squeezes past this blockage. Obstructive type of sleep apnea is often manifested by overweight people, though experts warn that it could also likely affect anyone.
Another type of sleep apnea is what is called as central sleep apnea. It is a less common kind of this sleep disorder. It happens when the specific brain area that controls breathing fail to send correct signals to breathing muscles during sleep. The result: the affected person makes no effort to breathe during sleep, but only for just a few seconds. In many cases, central sleep apnea combines with the obstructive type. In some people, central sleep apnea could occur solely. Unlike in obstructive type, snoring is not common to people experiencing central sleep apnea.
There are other factors to consider when looking at sleep apnea. First, it has been found that the condition could raise the risk for heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. It could also increase risks for heart failure.
There is of course irregular heartbeats and there is a risk that the affected person may experience driving or work-related accidents, probably due to lack of sleep or sleepiness.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, a disorder that affects about 12 million Americans, is characterized by breath pauses during sleep, which may last for 20 to 30 seconds or more. Sleep apnea episodes usually happen five to 30 times in an hour and may cause sleep disturbances. Snorting, choking, and snoring are typical to people with sleep apnea. It is common in men and older people, although women and children can also be diagnosed with it.
Because of the nature of the condition, people with sleep apnea are normally not aware of their sleeping irregularities. In fact, it is said that 80 to 90% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Usually, it is their bed partners who notice their condition.
Types of sleep apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common is called obstructive sleep apnea and involves a blocked airway. This blockage can result from over-relaxed throat muscles and tongue, obesity, and facial and bone structure deformities. Once the airway is blocked, breathing stops and the person begins to gasp and snort.
The oxygen level decreases, while carbon dioxide level increases. This then stimulates the brain to normalize the breathing process and prompts the person to wake up and to open the airway by adjusting the tongue and throat muscles. Normal breathing then ensues followed usually by loud snoring. The person, however, may neither remember being awake for a short time nor be aware of his gasps for air.
The other type is called central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain’s delayed signals to the breathing muscles. Breathing stops and oxygen level begins to drop. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is less common. It is a central nervous system disorder and can result from an injury or disease that involves the brainstem. This can be in the form of stroke and brain tumor, among other things. Though people with central sleep apnea may not typically snore, they may experience shortness of breath.
Both types have different causes, but their effects are the same: low level of oxygen in the brain, poor sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart irregularities when the oxygen reaches a dangerously low level. However, sleep apnea can also be literally disturbing to the bed partner because of the loud snoring that can cause sleep deprivation.
What to do
It would rather be hard for a person to know whether he has sleep apnea, since the condition manifests only during sleep. However, if he suspects to having the condition, especially if he shows the symptoms, he can opt to document his sleeping patterns. For instance, he can ask his bed partner to journal episodes of breath pauses, snoring, choking, or snorting. Or if he sleeps alone, he can videotape himself sleeping and notice if there are irregularities. These observations would help determine if seeing a doctor or a sleep specialist is necessary.
Upon diagnosis, the sleep specialist would recommend treatments or surgeries depending on the severity of the condition. But for minor sleep apnea, some behavioral treatments or lifestyle changes can be helpful. Examples are avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, weight loss, and having regular sleep hours.
But in any case, seeking the professional advice of a sleep specialist is necessary in treating a diagnosed case of sleep apnea.
Because of the nature of the condition, people with sleep apnea are normally not aware of their sleeping irregularities. In fact, it is said that 80 to 90% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Usually, it is their bed partners who notice their condition.
Types of sleep apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common is called obstructive sleep apnea and involves a blocked airway. This blockage can result from over-relaxed throat muscles and tongue, obesity, and facial and bone structure deformities. Once the airway is blocked, breathing stops and the person begins to gasp and snort.
The oxygen level decreases, while carbon dioxide level increases. This then stimulates the brain to normalize the breathing process and prompts the person to wake up and to open the airway by adjusting the tongue and throat muscles. Normal breathing then ensues followed usually by loud snoring. The person, however, may neither remember being awake for a short time nor be aware of his gasps for air.
The other type is called central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain’s delayed signals to the breathing muscles. Breathing stops and oxygen level begins to drop. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is less common. It is a central nervous system disorder and can result from an injury or disease that involves the brainstem. This can be in the form of stroke and brain tumor, among other things. Though people with central sleep apnea may not typically snore, they may experience shortness of breath.
Both types have different causes, but their effects are the same: low level of oxygen in the brain, poor sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart irregularities when the oxygen reaches a dangerously low level. However, sleep apnea can also be literally disturbing to the bed partner because of the loud snoring that can cause sleep deprivation.
What to do
It would rather be hard for a person to know whether he has sleep apnea, since the condition manifests only during sleep. However, if he suspects to having the condition, especially if he shows the symptoms, he can opt to document his sleeping patterns. For instance, he can ask his bed partner to journal episodes of breath pauses, snoring, choking, or snorting. Or if he sleeps alone, he can videotape himself sleeping and notice if there are irregularities. These observations would help determine if seeing a doctor or a sleep specialist is necessary.
Upon diagnosis, the sleep specialist would recommend treatments or surgeries depending on the severity of the condition. But for minor sleep apnea, some behavioral treatments or lifestyle changes can be helpful. Examples are avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, weight loss, and having regular sleep hours.
But in any case, seeking the professional advice of a sleep specialist is necessary in treating a diagnosed case of sleep apnea.
What Are The Sleep Apnea Tests?
Though the medical field took note of sleep apnea as early as 1965, it is only just recently that the public became more aware of this sleep disorder. In 2004, the sudden death of football superstar Reggie White due to sleep apnea complications made headlines and has since allowed sleep apnea emerge as one of the sleep disorders of top concern.
Though its nature is not as serious as cancer, diabetes, and other more popular fatal conditions, sleep apnea is equally threatening, much so is the undiagnosed and untreated case. Therefore, any person with suspected sleep apnea should immediately undergo sleep apnea tests to eliminate the possibilities of complications.
Sleep apnea diagnostic tests are done in sleep centers or laboratories by a qualified sleep specialist or a doctor. With technological advancements, a few tests can now be performed at home, although these tests should still be performed under the guidance of the attending physician. Which test to perform is determined by the pretest results, symptoms, and availability of the tests. Some of the tests that help diagnose sleep apnea are the following:
1. Polysomnography. Because of its extensive nature, polysomnography is considered the standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea and its severity. Polysomnography monitors and records activities of the brain, heart, and lungs; eye, arm, and leg movements; oxygen levels; air flow; breathing and respiratory patterns; and heart rate. It is used for all suspected cases of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
2. Oximetry. The purpose of oximetry is to monitor the oxygen levels in the blood. It is an overnight test done at home and uses a sleeve that is fitted into the finger, which shows if there is an abnormality in the oxygen level. A low registry of oxygen means a case of sleep apnea. Oximetry, however, cannot screen all cases of sleep apnea, so doctors normally run polysomnography tests to confirm and validate oximetry results.
3. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Usually performed to test excessive daytime sleepiness, MSLT measures how fast a patient falls asleep by allowing him opportunities to sleep during the day. People without sleep disorders normally fall asleep within 10 to 20 minutes, while those who have, especially those with sleep apnea, do so in less than five minutes.
4. Portable cardiorespiratory tests. These are simplified tests that are designed to use at home. They measure airflow and breathing patterns, among other things. However, these tests are only done with use of comprehensive sleep evaluation and upon the recommendation and supervision of the attending physician or qualified sleep specialist.
After the diagnosis, the doctor or sleep specialist may refer another specialist or set of specialists to manage the cause and effect of sleep apnea. These specialists include cardiologist (heart problems), psychiatrist (emotional and behavioral issues), neurologist (nervous system irregularities), and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat abnormalities). Determining appropriate treatments must then take place after the diagnosis.
As it seems, taking sleep apnea tests is the first step toward sleep apnea management. If one has symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, daytime fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, mood changes, and anxiety, going to a sleep specialist or doctor should be an immediate action.
Sleep apnea should never be taken for granted or underestimated. Social figures and ordinary people alike are not spared from this serious sleep disorder.
Though its nature is not as serious as cancer, diabetes, and other more popular fatal conditions, sleep apnea is equally threatening, much so is the undiagnosed and untreated case. Therefore, any person with suspected sleep apnea should immediately undergo sleep apnea tests to eliminate the possibilities of complications.
Sleep apnea diagnostic tests are done in sleep centers or laboratories by a qualified sleep specialist or a doctor. With technological advancements, a few tests can now be performed at home, although these tests should still be performed under the guidance of the attending physician. Which test to perform is determined by the pretest results, symptoms, and availability of the tests. Some of the tests that help diagnose sleep apnea are the following:
1. Polysomnography. Because of its extensive nature, polysomnography is considered the standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea and its severity. Polysomnography monitors and records activities of the brain, heart, and lungs; eye, arm, and leg movements; oxygen levels; air flow; breathing and respiratory patterns; and heart rate. It is used for all suspected cases of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
2. Oximetry. The purpose of oximetry is to monitor the oxygen levels in the blood. It is an overnight test done at home and uses a sleeve that is fitted into the finger, which shows if there is an abnormality in the oxygen level. A low registry of oxygen means a case of sleep apnea. Oximetry, however, cannot screen all cases of sleep apnea, so doctors normally run polysomnography tests to confirm and validate oximetry results.
3. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Usually performed to test excessive daytime sleepiness, MSLT measures how fast a patient falls asleep by allowing him opportunities to sleep during the day. People without sleep disorders normally fall asleep within 10 to 20 minutes, while those who have, especially those with sleep apnea, do so in less than five minutes.
4. Portable cardiorespiratory tests. These are simplified tests that are designed to use at home. They measure airflow and breathing patterns, among other things. However, these tests are only done with use of comprehensive sleep evaluation and upon the recommendation and supervision of the attending physician or qualified sleep specialist.
After the diagnosis, the doctor or sleep specialist may refer another specialist or set of specialists to manage the cause and effect of sleep apnea. These specialists include cardiologist (heart problems), psychiatrist (emotional and behavioral issues), neurologist (nervous system irregularities), and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat abnormalities). Determining appropriate treatments must then take place after the diagnosis.
As it seems, taking sleep apnea tests is the first step toward sleep apnea management. If one has symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, daytime fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, mood changes, and anxiety, going to a sleep specialist or doctor should be an immediate action.
Sleep apnea should never be taken for granted or underestimated. Social figures and ordinary people alike are not spared from this serious sleep disorder.
Ways to Handle Sleep Apnea Conditions
If you have no trouble sleeping, you must consider yourself lucky. It will help you a lot in coping with various conditions and tasks that you have to face each day. You will feel the negative effects of lack of sleep, especially if you need to handle certain things with alert body and mind. Even animals need to get enough rest and full hours of sleep to keep their body fit. But there are certain conditions that you may not be aware about, which interfere with your healthy sleep patterns, one of which is known as sleep apnea.
Apnea is a Greek word that literally means to breathe. So when you have this sleep disorder, as you lay to rest, you may not notice that your airway is blocked that is why your breathing is halted. As this occurs, your brain will help you cope by going into a defensive mode. Your brain automatically forces you to breathe by waking you up.
How do you know that someone has this? The more obvious observation can be through the way they snore. You will hear more of a grunt than a snore actually because the person is gasping for air that is why they are making such noise. The blockage is there as long as you are still suffering from the disorder. This is why there will be a constant cycle of sleeping then waking up throughout the night.
Tireless Nights
If you are not worried about this condition, you will do so as time goes by. You may think that this is not alarming because at least, you still can sleep even though you are often being awakened. But the fact is that this is not healthy. You are not only losing hours of sleep but you are not reaching the most important part of this activity. There are five stages of sleep and among these, the most important part is the REM. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement and this is deepest stage and gives you the feeling of becoming refreshed and well-rested. If you have the disorder, you will never reach such stage.
Aside from losing quality sleep each night, there are more serious problems that people who are suffering from the disorder face each time they go to sleep. Because you cannot breathe easily and regularly as you are sleeping, you lack the needed oxygen that you body has to be supplied with all the time. This can lead to more serious health problems like high blood pressure and heart disorders. If you already have problems with high blood and anything with regards to your heart, this certain sleeping disorder makes the matter worse and may lead to even more difficult problems if you will not act on it as soon as possible.
The Right Actions
The first thing that you need to do to help yourself is to accept that there is a problem. After that, you have to take the necessary actions to alleviate the condition. Here are some recommendations that you can follow in this regard.
1. If you are overweight, it is high time to lose those excess pounds and be fit. You have to know that most people with this disorder are overweight.
2. You can ask for the available dental services that can help you solve the dilemma. You just have to go to the right professional for this action.
3. You can also choose surgery to eliminate the problem of sleep apnea permanently.
Apnea is a Greek word that literally means to breathe. So when you have this sleep disorder, as you lay to rest, you may not notice that your airway is blocked that is why your breathing is halted. As this occurs, your brain will help you cope by going into a defensive mode. Your brain automatically forces you to breathe by waking you up.
How do you know that someone has this? The more obvious observation can be through the way they snore. You will hear more of a grunt than a snore actually because the person is gasping for air that is why they are making such noise. The blockage is there as long as you are still suffering from the disorder. This is why there will be a constant cycle of sleeping then waking up throughout the night.
Tireless Nights
If you are not worried about this condition, you will do so as time goes by. You may think that this is not alarming because at least, you still can sleep even though you are often being awakened. But the fact is that this is not healthy. You are not only losing hours of sleep but you are not reaching the most important part of this activity. There are five stages of sleep and among these, the most important part is the REM. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement and this is deepest stage and gives you the feeling of becoming refreshed and well-rested. If you have the disorder, you will never reach such stage.
Aside from losing quality sleep each night, there are more serious problems that people who are suffering from the disorder face each time they go to sleep. Because you cannot breathe easily and regularly as you are sleeping, you lack the needed oxygen that you body has to be supplied with all the time. This can lead to more serious health problems like high blood pressure and heart disorders. If you already have problems with high blood and anything with regards to your heart, this certain sleeping disorder makes the matter worse and may lead to even more difficult problems if you will not act on it as soon as possible.
The Right Actions
The first thing that you need to do to help yourself is to accept that there is a problem. After that, you have to take the necessary actions to alleviate the condition. Here are some recommendations that you can follow in this regard.
1. If you are overweight, it is high time to lose those excess pounds and be fit. You have to know that most people with this disorder are overweight.
2. You can ask for the available dental services that can help you solve the dilemma. You just have to go to the right professional for this action.
3. You can also choose surgery to eliminate the problem of sleep apnea permanently.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea could be a risky and pressing health concern especially if it gets further worse as the days go by. People affected by this form of sleep disorder should not worry too much. That is because there are different types of treatments that are readily available. The sufferer only needs to go to the doctor who specializes in such health problems.
It is important to note that there are two major goals for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. First, it is aimed at restoring regular breathing especially during sleeping hours. Second, treatment for sleep apnea is basically intending to relieve basic symptoms like daytime sleepiness and loud snoring during sleep. It is also a delight to most sleep apnea sufferers that available treatment for the condition could also significantly help treat medical problems that are directly linked to the sleeping disorder. Such diseases include hypertension, diabetes, and heart ailments.
Basic treatment options against sleep apnea include mouthpieces, breathing devices, lifestyle changes, and surgery. There are still no regulatory approved medicines that are specifically for sleep apnea treatment. As mentioned, the best first step to attain an effective treatment for the sleep disorder is to approach a sleep specialist or doctor and discuss the most suitable treatment option available for you.
Mouthpiece for sleep apnea is often called oral appliance. It could specifically help sufferers of mild sleep apnea. Such instruments are usually recommended to people who snore very loudly, whether they have sleep apnea or none. Orthodontists and dentists could custom-make plastic mouthpieces to treat sleep apnea. The object would help adjust the lower jaw as well as the tongue so that airways could be kept open even during sleep. However, a patient may not be spared from any pain or discomfort caused by the device. Periodic visits to the doctor would be necessary.
There are specific breathing devices available for treatment of sleep apnea. Severe cases in adults could call for the use of CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. It is a special machine that uses a mask so it could fit over the nose and the mouth. It would gently blow air into the throat. This air would press against the airway wall. Air pressure would then be adjusted so that narrowing of the airway would be prevented and blockage problems could be eliminated. CPAP is ideally setup and installed by a technician.
To treat sleep apnea effectively, you would also be asked to brace several lifestyle changes, especially habits and daily activities. Here are some of the common changes. Rule out intake of alcohol and sleeping pills as such substances could make it harder for the throat to remain open during sleep.
Second, lose weight especially if you are obese or overweight. Third, be used to sleeping on the side instead of on the back as doing so could help keep throat open for breathing. Stop smoking. And lastly, keep nasal passages wide open all night through nose sprays and allergy medicines.
The last treatment option is the least liked by sleep apnea sufferers. Surgery is performed to further widen a person’s breathing passages. Such an operation usually comprises of shrinking, stiffening, and removing excess tissue located in the throat or mouth as well as resetting the lower jaw. In some cases, tonsils are also removed.
It is important to note that there are two major goals for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. First, it is aimed at restoring regular breathing especially during sleeping hours. Second, treatment for sleep apnea is basically intending to relieve basic symptoms like daytime sleepiness and loud snoring during sleep. It is also a delight to most sleep apnea sufferers that available treatment for the condition could also significantly help treat medical problems that are directly linked to the sleeping disorder. Such diseases include hypertension, diabetes, and heart ailments.
Basic treatment options against sleep apnea include mouthpieces, breathing devices, lifestyle changes, and surgery. There are still no regulatory approved medicines that are specifically for sleep apnea treatment. As mentioned, the best first step to attain an effective treatment for the sleep disorder is to approach a sleep specialist or doctor and discuss the most suitable treatment option available for you.
Mouthpiece for sleep apnea is often called oral appliance. It could specifically help sufferers of mild sleep apnea. Such instruments are usually recommended to people who snore very loudly, whether they have sleep apnea or none. Orthodontists and dentists could custom-make plastic mouthpieces to treat sleep apnea. The object would help adjust the lower jaw as well as the tongue so that airways could be kept open even during sleep. However, a patient may not be spared from any pain or discomfort caused by the device. Periodic visits to the doctor would be necessary.
There are specific breathing devices available for treatment of sleep apnea. Severe cases in adults could call for the use of CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. It is a special machine that uses a mask so it could fit over the nose and the mouth. It would gently blow air into the throat. This air would press against the airway wall. Air pressure would then be adjusted so that narrowing of the airway would be prevented and blockage problems could be eliminated. CPAP is ideally setup and installed by a technician.
To treat sleep apnea effectively, you would also be asked to brace several lifestyle changes, especially habits and daily activities. Here are some of the common changes. Rule out intake of alcohol and sleeping pills as such substances could make it harder for the throat to remain open during sleep.
Second, lose weight especially if you are obese or overweight. Third, be used to sleeping on the side instead of on the back as doing so could help keep throat open for breathing. Stop smoking. And lastly, keep nasal passages wide open all night through nose sprays and allergy medicines.
The last treatment option is the least liked by sleep apnea sufferers. Surgery is performed to further widen a person’s breathing passages. Such an operation usually comprises of shrinking, stiffening, and removing excess tissue located in the throat or mouth as well as resetting the lower jaw. In some cases, tonsils are also removed.
The Dangers Of Sleep Apnea: A Rundown
Many people choose to disregard sleep apnea, thinking it’s just about snoring. Unfortunately, snoring is just a symptom; it only mirrors the irregularities happening inside the body during an episode of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, which is characterized by breath pauses usually lasting for a few seconds to minutes, is foremost a sleep disorder that requires proper attention.
If ignored, it can result in a number of problems, many of which are too serious they may not look like they have been caused by a seemingly simple sleep disorder. But the truth is, sleep apnea is not as simple as people think. On regular occasions, it can be troubling, but in some instances, it can be life-threatening. Not knowing the dangers of sleep apnea can place a person at a heightened risk, so it pays to be aware of them.
The dangers
There are two main effects of sleep apnea, both of which may result in dangerous conditions and events.
1. Poor quality of sleep.
People with sleep apnea have shallow sleep and experience frequent waking. They are therefore deprived of the therapeutic and restful sleep the body needs to restore the lost energy and refresh the mind. The following morning, they wake up feeling tired, annoyed, and restless.
The sleep disturbance caused by sleep apnea also often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness. Some may fall asleep while doing their regular routines like eating or talking. However, it can be dangerous if they are caught driving. Researches have tallied a number of car crashes among people with sleep apnea, confirming they are more prone to car accidents than other drivers and motorists.
Lack of concentration, which normally results in poor performance at work and in school, is also observed from people with sleep apnea. They may also have memory and learning difficulties.
People with sleep apnea may as well experience psychological problems such as anxiety, irritability, mood and behavior changes, and depression. Gain weight may also be apparent since lack of sleep essentially boosts the appetite.
2. Oxygen deprivation.
Many people are unaware that sleep apnea interrupts a body function as important as oxygen saturation. Oxygen is vital in the body and when absent, it creates a strain in the cardiovascular system. This happens because as oxygen level drops due to breath pauses, the cardiovascular system, which is responsible in delivering oxygen through the blood, tends to work harder. The effect of which is high blood pressure, a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.
In fact, studies showed that people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems, especially those with untreated sleep apnea. Another study said that sudden death due to irregular heart rhythm during sleeping hours is more likely to happen among people with sleep apnea. Such death usually occurs in waking hours among people without the sleep disorder.
There are two sure ways to counter the dangers of sleep apnea—having oneself checked and treated. As it seems, this sleep disorder is more damaging and serious than what others seem to think. It can make everyday life a little troubling and, worse, can claim life in the most subtle ways.
With sleep apnea, there is no room for taking chances. So if you think your body shows sign of the sleep disorder, see a sleep specialist at once and undergo treatments.
If ignored, it can result in a number of problems, many of which are too serious they may not look like they have been caused by a seemingly simple sleep disorder. But the truth is, sleep apnea is not as simple as people think. On regular occasions, it can be troubling, but in some instances, it can be life-threatening. Not knowing the dangers of sleep apnea can place a person at a heightened risk, so it pays to be aware of them.
The dangers
There are two main effects of sleep apnea, both of which may result in dangerous conditions and events.
1. Poor quality of sleep.
People with sleep apnea have shallow sleep and experience frequent waking. They are therefore deprived of the therapeutic and restful sleep the body needs to restore the lost energy and refresh the mind. The following morning, they wake up feeling tired, annoyed, and restless.
The sleep disturbance caused by sleep apnea also often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness. Some may fall asleep while doing their regular routines like eating or talking. However, it can be dangerous if they are caught driving. Researches have tallied a number of car crashes among people with sleep apnea, confirming they are more prone to car accidents than other drivers and motorists.
Lack of concentration, which normally results in poor performance at work and in school, is also observed from people with sleep apnea. They may also have memory and learning difficulties.
People with sleep apnea may as well experience psychological problems such as anxiety, irritability, mood and behavior changes, and depression. Gain weight may also be apparent since lack of sleep essentially boosts the appetite.
2. Oxygen deprivation.
Many people are unaware that sleep apnea interrupts a body function as important as oxygen saturation. Oxygen is vital in the body and when absent, it creates a strain in the cardiovascular system. This happens because as oxygen level drops due to breath pauses, the cardiovascular system, which is responsible in delivering oxygen through the blood, tends to work harder. The effect of which is high blood pressure, a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.
In fact, studies showed that people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems, especially those with untreated sleep apnea. Another study said that sudden death due to irregular heart rhythm during sleeping hours is more likely to happen among people with sleep apnea. Such death usually occurs in waking hours among people without the sleep disorder.
There are two sure ways to counter the dangers of sleep apnea—having oneself checked and treated. As it seems, this sleep disorder is more damaging and serious than what others seem to think. It can make everyday life a little troubling and, worse, can claim life in the most subtle ways.
With sleep apnea, there is no room for taking chances. So if you think your body shows sign of the sleep disorder, see a sleep specialist at once and undergo treatments.
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