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Sleep Apnea Sickness - What Is It All About?
by: D. Marie Pollack
Some 30 million Americans are victims of a sleep disorder called sleep
apnea sickness or in other terms obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea or
central sleep apnea. Numerous others are predisposed and have a high risk
of developing the sickness. Adult males, have the highest odds at about
50/50 that their breathing is not normal when they are sleeping. It is
very important that anyone who might be experiencing this problem is
predisposed, or knows someone they care about who has this sickness,
should have a clear and concise understanding about it.
What you can do about sleep apnea:
The following steps help many people with sleep apnea sleep better:
* Stop all use of alcohol or sleep medicines as they relax the muscles in
the back of the throat, making it harder for you to breathe.
* Sleep on your side or hip instead of your back. Find a high quality
side sleeper pillow for maximum comfort
* If you are overweight, lose weight.
* If you still have problems, speak to your doctor. There are special
masks that you can wear over your nose and mouth while you are sleeping.
This mask is called a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. It
will keep your airway open by adding pressure to the air you breathe. The
mask helps most people with sleep apnea. Surgery may be necessary, in a
very few cases, to remove extra tissue or tonsils from the throat.
Additional information on Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in
men (and it may be under diagnosed in women). It has been estimated that
as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Four percent of
middle-aged men and 2 percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea along
with excessive daytime sleepiness. People most likely to have or develop
sleep apnea include those who snore loudly and also are overweight, or
have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose,
throat, or other parts of the upper airway. Sleep apnea sickness seems to
run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
Fatigue and tiredness during the day is one symptom of sleep apnea.
Another symptom is loud snoring; if the loud snoring is repeatedly
punctuated by brief periods of silence or choking sounds, the individual
is certain to have obstructive sleep apnea.
Ways that sleep apnea affects your Life:
Actually, sleep apnea sickness may already have affected you more than you
know. Chances are things will improve for you once the diagnosis is made.
If your sleep problem can be solved by not using alcohol or sleep
medicine, losing weight if youre overweight and sleeping on your side,
you will quickly begin to feel much more rested and energetic. If you must
wear the mask while sleeping, you should soon feel the benefits. If you
need surgery, youll be able to sleep better afterwards. Whatever your
treatment, remember that you are not alone and help is available.
Related sleep apnea symptoms can include:
Loud snoring
Change in personality
Depression
Rapid weight gain
Reduced sex drive and impotence
High blood pressure
Restless sleep; the repeated struggle to breath can be associated with a
great deal of movement.
Depressed mood and/or irritability
Snorting, gasping, choking during sleep
Insomnia
Frequent nocturnal urination
Confusion upon awakening
Difficulty concentrating
Morning headaches
Sleep that is not refreshing
Nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
High blood pressure
Overweight
Irritability
A dry mouth upon awakening
Excessive perspiring during sleep
Restless sleep
Heartburn
Sleep Apnea can be a very serious matter:
It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate
medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea
include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood
pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes
daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and
interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be
mild, moderate or severe.
For many sleep apnea patients, their bed partners or family members are
the first ones to suspect that something is wrong, usually from their
heavy snoring and apparent struggle to breathe. Coworkers or friends of
the sleep apnea victim may notice that the individual falls asleep during
the day at inappropriate times (such as while driving a car, working, or
talking).
During the apneic event, the person is unable to breathe in oxygen and to
exhale carbon dioxide, resulting in low levels of oxygen and increased
levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. The reduction in oxygen and
increase in carbon dioxide alert the brain to resume breathing and cause
an arousal. With each arousal, a signal is sent from the brain to the
upper airway muscles to open the airway; breathing is resumed, often with
a loud snort or gasp. Frequent arousals, although necessary for breathing
to restart, prevent the patient from getting enough restorative, deep
sleep.
For many cases of sleep apnea sickness, treatment often consists of
avoiding sleeping on ones back, even if youre wearing a mask. To help
aid in a comfortable sleep choose a pillow that allows you to sleep on
your side, one that elevates your head and neck allowing your airway
passage to open properly while sleeping. Using a sleep apnea pillow is an
unconventional, however beneficial and inexpensive sleep apnea treatment.
About The Author
D. Marie Pollack is a freelancer journalist, copywriter and editor,
schooled in natural health and herbal healing. She has written numerous
articles and specializes in content for various web sites. Discover an
innovative Sleep Apnea Treatment that aids in sleep apnea sickness.
http://www.sleep-better-pillow.com/index-sleep-apnea-treatment.html
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