Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start while sleeping. Individuals who snore loudly and feel tired everyday after a full night's sleep may have this disorder and not be aware of it. There are two types of apnea, obstructive and central. Obstructive is the most common type that occurs due to the throat muscles relaxing. Central occurs from the brain not sending the required signals to the muscles that work to control breathing. Treating this disorder is important in preventing serious complications such as heart problems or excessive fatigue. This disorder can also be potentially life threatening as it is related to sudden death while sleeping.
Obstructive
Obstructive apnea is a result of throat muscles relaxing. When this occurs, the airway may narrow or close while taking a breath in, causing breathing to stop momentarily. This can cause the oxygen level in the blood to lower. When the brain senses that breathing has stopped, it awakens the individual so they can regain an open airway. Because this moment of awakening is so brief, most people do not remember it. Individuals may awaken from choking or gasping for air, which can occur several times each hour while sleeping. This prevents the deep, restful stage of sleep that is needed to prevent daytime sleepiness.
Central
Central apnea occurs when the brain does not send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Individuals may be awakened with shortness of breath or may have trouble going or staying asleep. This disorder is usually associated with heart disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include, loud snoring, excessive sleepiness during the day, awakening suddenly with shortness of breath, morning headache, awakening with a sore throat or dry mouth, waking often throughout the night and observing episodes of breathing that stops during sleep. Consulting with a sleep medicine specialist in Tucson AZ to determine if apnea is occurring should be done if these signs and symptoms are being experienced.
Complications
Complications from these disorders can include daytime sleepiness, which can affect job performance and increase the risk of automobile accidents and serious medical problems. These include mild pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypertension, arrhythmias, lower lung volume function and possible stroke or myocardial infarction.
Treatment
Individuals who suspect they may be suffering from this disorder will normally be sent to sleep medicine specialists in Tucson AZ to complete an overnight study on them. This includes monitoring of breathing as well as specific tests. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, treatment may include medications, changes in work schedules or daily habits or the use of a breathing device that is worn while asleep.
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