Why Snoring and Sleep Disorders
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Studies have shown that approximately 40% adults living in the US snore. Because snoring is so common many people don't think twice about it or realize it could be the sign of something much more serious. Snoring can actually be a precursor to some sleep disorders that can be quite serious.
One of the most common but potentially serious sleep disorders often characterized by snoring is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person will stop breathing periodically during sleep, for ten second or longer intervals. While the person will start breathing again this causes a lack of oxygen getting to the body which can result in heart problems and potential mild brain damage. Some signs other than loud and sudden snoring include morning headaches, feeling tired throughout the day, insomnia, and the need for frequent naps.
Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive sleep apnea. This means that the sleep apnea is caused by some type of obstruction in the airway. This is usually caused by soft tissue in the throat which falls shut for periods of time causing the person to stop breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea may be caused by jaw and throat anatomy, or it may be brought on by obesity. Sleep apnea can cause many serious heart problems, so if you suspect you might have sleep apnea you should see your doctor immediately.
There are several different treatment options when it comes to obstructive sleep apnea. If you have a mild case of sleep apnea (you will need special sleep tests to determine the severity of your situation) you may just need to lose weight or try sleeping on your side. However, if your doctor has determined that your sleep apnea is of a more serious nature you may need a CPAP. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is a device which forces the airways to remain open. Another possibility is a Bi-PAP which delivers air at two different pressures for exhalation and inhalation.
Another possibility is surgery. The goal of surgery is to increase the size of the upper air passage to prevent it from closing while a person sleeps. However, due to anatomy this type of surgery is not always possible or entirely effective.
If you believe you may have sleep apnea see your doctor and they can help you determine what is the correct course of action for you.
Thomas Wilson writes about sleep apnea, snoring and other sleep disorders for the Sleep Conditions website. Read more and sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.sleepconditions.com
One of the most common but potentially serious sleep disorders often characterized by snoring is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person will stop breathing periodically during sleep, for ten second or longer intervals. While the person will start breathing again this causes a lack of oxygen getting to the body which can result in heart problems and potential mild brain damage. Some signs other than loud and sudden snoring include morning headaches, feeling tired throughout the day, insomnia, and the need for frequent naps.
Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive sleep apnea. This means that the sleep apnea is caused by some type of obstruction in the airway. This is usually caused by soft tissue in the throat which falls shut for periods of time causing the person to stop breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea may be caused by jaw and throat anatomy, or it may be brought on by obesity. Sleep apnea can cause many serious heart problems, so if you suspect you might have sleep apnea you should see your doctor immediately.
There are several different treatment options when it comes to obstructive sleep apnea. If you have a mild case of sleep apnea (you will need special sleep tests to determine the severity of your situation) you may just need to lose weight or try sleeping on your side. However, if your doctor has determined that your sleep apnea is of a more serious nature you may need a CPAP. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is a device which forces the airways to remain open. Another possibility is a Bi-PAP which delivers air at two different pressures for exhalation and inhalation.
Another possibility is surgery. The goal of surgery is to increase the size of the upper air passage to prevent it from closing while a person sleeps. However, due to anatomy this type of surgery is not always possible or entirely effective.
If you believe you may have sleep apnea see your doctor and they can help you determine what is the correct course of action for you.
Thomas Wilson writes about sleep apnea, snoring and other sleep disorders for the Sleep Conditions website. Read more and sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.sleepconditions.com
posted by zester at 09:54
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