Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that occurs when breathing intermittently starts and then stops during rest. Two types of this disorder are the most common, central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a result of the throat muscles being relaxed and breathing is therefore obstructed. Central sleep apnea symptoms occurs when the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Warning signs of this disorder include being overweight, having a shirt collar size of more than 17 inches, loud snoring, excessive tiredness during the day, waking up with a dry or sore throat, and irritability. It is interesting to note that many people who suffer from this disorder do not even realize that their slumber is being disrupted.
People who suffer from this disorder stop breathing momentarily while they are sleeping. This can happen up to 70 times in an hour for those with a severe form of this disorder. These lapses in breathing cause insufficient amounts of oxygen to the brain and the patient often wakes with a gasp. The result of interrupted breathing while sleeping is inadequate rest. Further, the health implications of not getting enough rest are sobering.
Inadequate rest can result in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depressive disorders, and diabetes. This lack of sleep can also cause obesity, because the lack of adequate rest changes the body’s metabolic rate. This, in turn, causes increased eating and a feeling of being less satisfied after a meal.
Apnea can also impair cognitive functioning. Memory can be affected and the bodies immune system and disease fighting capabilities can be impaired. This disorder can also be a contributing factor to the more than 100,000 auto accidents each year where drivers fall asleep at the wheel.
How is it treated? Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the most common form of treatment. This treatment involves using machines that force air through a mask that is placed over the nose. The air pressure is somewhat greater than the air pressure in the surrounding environment. The air travels through the patients nose and has enough pressure to keep the airway passages open. When the air passages are open, snoring and breathing disruptions are prevented and a good night’s rest with few interruptions can be obtained.
Sleep apnea is a disorder that has serious health and cognitive consequences if not treated properly. A sleep apnea machine that delivers continuous positive airway pressure can alleviate the symptoms of this disorder.
