Sleep
Apnea - The Sleep Disorder of Millions
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep
disorder. Those who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing for 10
to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. These short stops
in breathing happen up to 400 times every night. Those with sleep
apnea find that the periods of not breathing may make wake them
from deep sleep. Awakening frequently means those with sleep apnea
aren't getting enough rest.
There are two kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive apnea and central
apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. Nine out
of 10 people with sleep apnea have this type of apnea. If you have
obstructive apnea, something is blocking the passage or windpipe
(called the trachea) that brings air into your body. When you try
to breathe, you can't get enough air because of the blockage. Your
windpipe might be blocked by your tongue, tonsils or uvula (the
little piece of flesh that hangs down in the back of your throat).
It might also be blocked by a large amount of fatty tissue in the
throat or even by relaxed throat muscles.
Central sleep apnea is rare. This type of sleep apnea is related
to the function of the central nervous system. If you have this
type of apnea, the muscles you use to breathe don't get the "go-ahead"
signal from your brain. Either the brain doesn't send the signal,
or the signal gets interrupted.
Doctors estimate that about 18
million Americans have sleep apnea. Men and people who are over
40 years old are more likely to have sleep apnea, but it can affect
anyone at any age.
Because some of the symptoms of sleep apnea occur while you're sleeping,
the person you sleep with may notice it first. You, or that person,
may notice heavy snoring or long pauses in your breathing during
sleep. Even if you don't remember waking up during the night, you
may notice daytime sleepiness (such as falling asleep at work, while
driving or when talking), irritability or fatigue. You may also
experience morning headaches, forgetfulness, mood changes and a
decreased interest in sex.
Sleep apnea can cause serious problems if it isn't treated. Your
risk of heart disease and stroke is higher if serious sleep apnea
goes untreated. You are also more likely to have traffic accidents
if you drive while you're sleepy. If you have sleep apnea, it is
very important for you to get treatment.
The following steps help many people who have sleep apnea sleep
better:
- Stop all use of alcohol or sleep medicines.
These relax the muscles in the back of your throat, making it
harder for you to breathe.
- If you smoke, quit smoking.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Sleep on your side instead of on your back.
Certain dental devices can be used to treat
mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea. These devices move your jaw
forward to make breathing easier.
A common treatment for sleep apnea is called "continuous positive
airway pressure," or CPAP. For this treatment, you wear a special
mask over your nose and mouth while you are sleeping. The mask will
keep your airway open by adding pressure to the air you breathe.
It helps most people who have sleep apnea.
In very few cases, surgery is necessary to remove tonsils or extra
tissue from the throat.
|
