What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea has been recognized as a major sleeping disorder and its hazards are to be considered and treated well in time. But, how do we know whether it’s normal snoring or is it sleep apnea? Well, firstly, snoring and sleep apnea cannot be considered absolutely complementary to each other. Not everyone who snores can be considered to be suffering from sleep apnea, and not everyone who has sleep apnea, necessarily, snores. The most important sign that shows if you are suffering from sleep apnea is the way you feel during the day. People having normal snoring problems, generally, have a better quality of sleep than those suffering from sleep apnea, and thus, so they are less likely to suffer from too much fatigue and sleepiness during the day.
Facts about Sleep Apnea • A person suffering from sleep apnea takes one or more pauses in breathing or has a shallow breath while sleeping. • Breathing pauses may last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur around 30 times or more in an hour. Normal breathing resumes with a loud snort or choking sound • Sleep apnea is a chronic condition and disrupts proper sleep as when the breathing pauses or becomes shallow, one moves out of deep sleep to light sleep • Poor sleep during the night makes us tired during the day and causes excessive daytime sleepiness
• Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed and no blood test can help diagnose the condition • Most people don’t have any idea that they are suffering from sleep apnea as it only occurs during sleep and generally, your bed partner or a family member might be the first one to notice this problem • Around 22 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from sleep apnea, of which around 80 percent of the cases going undiagnosed Types of sleep apnea 1. Obstructive sleep apnea: It is caused as the airway gets blocked when the tongue collapses against the soft palate and the soft palate collapses against the back of the throat during sleep. 2. Central sleep apnea: In this kind of sleep apnea, there is no blockage in the airway, but the brain fails to send signals to the muscles to breathe. 3. Complex sleep apnea: This condition is a combination of the two. As the breathing pauses, the brain signals the muscles to resume breathing, partially stirring the sleeper. This can happen around a hundred times a night, which disturbs the patient’s sleep more often. Under this condition, the oxygenation of the blood is reduced, which further affects the physical system of the sleeper. In children the symptoms of sleep apnea are evident in strange sleeping position, bedwetting, more sweating and fears during night. During day, these kids are hyperactive and inattentive, irritated, angry and unfriendly. Mostly, they breathe through their mouth instead of nose. They develop issues of development and growth that leads to poor performance. Effects Of Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea, if left untreated can result in: • high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular problems • depression and persistent drowsiness, which may lead to untoward incidents like a road accident or a mishap at workplace • a person waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, feeling out of breath and also experiencing morning headaches • forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, moodiness and irritation Who is at risk?Sleep apnea can be seen in people of all ages and gender. However, the risk is high in men; who are obese; people aged over 65 and smokers. The physical traits that may lead to sleep apnea are thick neck, deviated septum, receding chin or tonsils. When the throat muscles relax more than normal, it hinders air flow during sleep causing sleep apnea. Certain allergies related to nasal congestion may also cause the disorder. Sleep Apnea Management
Despite accomplishing so much, medical science has not been very successful in treating sleep apnea. Medications are available only to treat the sleepiness associated with this condition, not sleep apnea itself. The success rate of allopathic model of treatment for this condition has not been so convincing. Use of supplemental oxygen during sleep and breathing devices like, bi-level positive airway pressure, continuous positive air flow pressure device and adaptive servo-ventilation are prescribed. Surgery to remove tonsils, adenoids or excess tissue in throat or nose, enlarge the airway may be sought in worse conditions. The complementary and alternative forms of treatment which include yoga, meditation, tai-chi, reiki etc. may be able to treat this condition, but these processes are very slow. Ž The Trivedi Effect , has been successful in sleep apnea management by providing relief to the people suffering from this disorder. It brings positive effects on the overall health, wellbeing, prosperity, and happiness of a person. Energy Transmission by Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and by Dahryn Trivedi has transformed the life of tens of thousands of people. This energy has the power to optimize a person’s potential and bring inner peace and mental calmness, allowing people to sleep well and find true happiness in their lives. Reference: http://www.sleepapnea.org/i-am-a-health-care-professional.html Disclaimer: This blog contains general information about health conditions and treatments. The information should not be treated as advice and is provided without any representations or warranties express or implied. We do not warrant or represent that the health related information on this website is complete, true, accurate, up to date or non-misleading. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.