Sleep apnea is a disorder with potentially serious consequences. It causes a person to experience interrupted breathing while he or she is asleep. Those with this disorder often stop breathing continuously throughout the night. Certain individuals who have participated in studies at sleep apnea centers have found that they unknowingly stopped breathing hundreds of times in an eight hour period. Fortunately, treatments are available for this disorder.
There are two types of the condition, which are called obstructive or central. The former is the most common form of the disorder, but serious side effects are associated with both. Complete or partial airway blockage results in obstructive apnea, and one often gasps or jerks awake when normal breathing resumes. There are various causes for the obstructive form of the condition, which include a deviated septum, obesity, cardiac disease, allergies, pulmonary disorders, asthma, and sleeping in an improper position.
Those suffering from the central form of the disorder do not have upper respiratory obstructions. Rather, their brains simply fail to appropriately signal the muscles that control breathing. This results in respiratory tract instability. It is regarded as a central nervous system disorder, even though the reason it occurs has not yet been discovered.
Interestingly, men suffer from this disorder more than women. Statistics show that the condition occurs in one out of every four males, but only occurs in one out of every ten females. It is not yet known why more men are afflicted with the disorder than women. It is particularly common in overweight individuals, and does not usually manifest for the first time until one is over forty years of age.
Symptoms are often noticed by family members before the patient himself or herself discovers that a problem exists. For example, one of the most commonly experienced side effects is excessive snoring. Couples sometimes report that the partner who has the disorder frequently jolts awake at regular intervals during the night, even though the patient does not realize he or she is doing so.
Numerous devices can be utilized to ensure that those suffering from the disorder obtain a good night sleep. These include devices such as BPAP masks, which are designed to help prevent airway obstructions. However, it is essential to seek medical advice prior to utilizing equipment of this type to treat the disorder.
In certain cases, procedures can be performed to trim the soft palate, and subsequently lessen the patient's symptoms. This largely depends on the type of sleep apnea from which one is suffering, as well as his or her overall health. There are also simple treatments for the disorder, such as losing weight and positioning oneself better prior to falling asleep.
Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
There are two types of the condition, which are called obstructive or central. The former is the most common form of the disorder, but serious side effects are associated with both. Complete or partial airway blockage results in obstructive apnea, and one often gasps or jerks awake when normal breathing resumes. There are various causes for the obstructive form of the condition, which include a deviated septum, obesity, cardiac disease, allergies, pulmonary disorders, asthma, and sleeping in an improper position.
Those suffering from the central form of the disorder do not have upper respiratory obstructions. Rather, their brains simply fail to appropriately signal the muscles that control breathing. This results in respiratory tract instability. It is regarded as a central nervous system disorder, even though the reason it occurs has not yet been discovered.
Interestingly, men suffer from this disorder more than women. Statistics show that the condition occurs in one out of every four males, but only occurs in one out of every ten females. It is not yet known why more men are afflicted with the disorder than women. It is particularly common in overweight individuals, and does not usually manifest for the first time until one is over forty years of age.
Symptoms are often noticed by family members before the patient himself or herself discovers that a problem exists. For example, one of the most commonly experienced side effects is excessive snoring. Couples sometimes report that the partner who has the disorder frequently jolts awake at regular intervals during the night, even though the patient does not realize he or she is doing so.
Numerous devices can be utilized to ensure that those suffering from the disorder obtain a good night sleep. These include devices such as BPAP masks, which are designed to help prevent airway obstructions. However, it is essential to seek medical advice prior to utilizing equipment of this type to treat the disorder.
In certain cases, procedures can be performed to trim the soft palate, and subsequently lessen the patient's symptoms. This largely depends on the type of sleep apnea from which one is suffering, as well as his or her overall health. There are also simple treatments for the disorder, such as losing weight and positioning oneself better prior to falling asleep.
Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
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If you think you might have a sleeping disorder, click this sleep apnea centers link. To find out about a complimentary consultation with Apnea & Snoring Dental Solutions of Portland visit us on the Web today at http://apneaandsnoring.com.
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