subject: What is Sleep Apnea [print this page] What is Sleep Apnea What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep disorders are quickly becoming a major health issue. Years ago the condition was rarely even heard of but now almost everyone knows something about sleep disorders and what Sleep Apnea is. Most people know of at least one person that has had the testing done.
Have you ever woke up in the night to find yourself feeling like you're choking or having a hard time breathing? No, it probably wasn't a nightmare, and it's most likely a condition that needs to be looked into. With these symptoms it's very possible that you have Sleep Apnea which can be a severe sleep disorder.
Out of all the sleep disorders, Sleep Apnea can be one of the most severe on the list. "Apnea" comes from the Greek language and means "want of breath". During an Apnea episode, your breathing is disrupted by either slowing down or stopping altogether for a short period of time. These disruptions can occur as often as 20 times in only one hour, and each episode can mean a 20 second period during which your body is near death.
Health issues go far beyond waking up choking. During those times your brain is also deprived of valuable oxygen, which over time can lead to other health issues such as Stroke, Heart Failure, high Blood Pressure and an array of others. in fact, if left unchecked Sleep Apnea can literally kill you.
Symptoms to look for include snoring that's so persistent it wakes your partner, morning headaches, and dry mouth. If these symptoms apply to you, you need to see a doctor right away. They are all indications that you might be a victim of Sleep Apnea. Snoring on it's own is bothersome but it will not kill you, however Sleep Apnea could so please do not ignore the urgings of your loved ones to go and have your snoring checked out.
There are three types of Sleep Apnea so this is not something you should take lightly. Your Health and longevity is at risk as it may not be "simple snoring" that your dealing with.
There are things that you can do to prevent or halt the progression of Obstructive Apnea even if you haven't yet seen a doctor about the condition. The solution to the problem might be as easy as losing weight, changing your sleep position, or eliminating alcohol from your evening routine. In more severe cases, medical treatments may be needed, however. Some of the more common medical procedures used to treat apnea include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Oxygen Administration, and surgeries such as a Tracheostomy.
I suggest you try the natural approach first as the CPAP mask is unnatural and is not comfortable to wear while sleeping and of course having a Tracheostomy speaks for itself.
