Sleep apnea is a medical condition where a person stops breathing for more than ten seconds while asleep. This may happen hundreds of times during the night. When breathing stops, the oxygen level in the body can drop very low and cause an irregular heartbeat, which is a serious health issue.
Obesity is a leading cause of sleep apnea, which affects more than 20 million Americans. When a person is overweight, additional fat tissue is stored in the neck. The fat tissue causes obstructions in the airways, and this may lead to difficulty breathing.
Other causes of sleep apnea include having a family history of the condition, having a large tongue or large tonsils, using alcohol and smoking. A high occurrence of the condition occurs in those having a narrow airway or being over the age of 40. It is more common in males than females.
When breathing stops throughout the night, the person usually wakes up, but will not remember it the next morning. However, they may be very tired due to the restless night.
One warning sign for sleep apnea is unusually loud snoring. A spouse or other household member would be aware of the snoring, but the person with the condition would not. Falling asleep during the day is another symptom of the health issue. This happens at inappropriate times, such as when a person is working or driving. A person with sleep apnea may experience morning headaches, leg swelling and shortness of breath.
A doctor needs to do a thorough examination to determine if a patient has sleep apnea. Chest x-rays and lab results are used to rule out other medical issues. An overnight stay at a lab may be required to observe sleeping patterns before the condition can be accurately diagnosed.
Because obesity is a major cause of this medical condition, losing weight is one recommended treatment for the issue. Treatment may also include medication, jaw positioning devices, and stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives. Surgery might be performed to remove the fatty tissue that is obstructing the flow of air.
A constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can be used to treat sleep apnea. This device fits over the face and helps a person to breathe properly at night.
Some people with CPAP machines find them uncomfortable to wear. Those who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia sometimes have difficulty keeping the device over their faces. Other people experience nasal congestion, dry eyes or ear discomfort. Serious side effects are rare with CPAP machines, and the benefits outweigh the downsides.
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