Sleep Site : Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If your partner is being kept awake by your snoring or your snoring is loud enough to wake you, then obstructive sleep apnea may be to blame. This condition is caused by repetitive upper airway obstruction during sleep, as a result of a narrowing of the respiratory passages. This results in disrupted sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other medical disorders. However, sleep apnea can go unrecognized by both patients and doctors. In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms of this sleep disorder and your treatment options.

The most common features in patients with obstructive sleep apnea are loud snoring, disrupted sleep, nocturnal gasping and choking, daytime sleepiness and fatigue, and a short, thick neck. The patient is often brought to the physician's office by a family member who is being disturbed by the patient's loud snoring. The partner may describe episodes in which the patient stops breathing and then gives a loud gasp or snort when aroused by the apnea. These episodes may be worse after the patient drinks alcohol or takes sleep medicine because these sedatives decrease pharyngeal muscle tone.

Sleep apnea can come with other health conditions. Cardiovascular disease is common in patients. Hypertension and obesity increase the risk of cardiac disease and are frequent findings in patients with this sleep disorder. Patients with apnea who are smokers may also have coronary artery disease and obstructive airway disease. Psychosocial problems are common in patients who have apnea. These patients often have depression, mood changes, poor memory, irritability and impaired concentration. Nocturnal panic attacks have also been associated with this type of disorder.

Sleep medicine isn't enough to treat apnea. Specialists usually recommend weight loss, and dental devices that modify the position of the tongue or jaw. Some doctors may prescribe the use of a CPAP mask. With this method, straps hold the mask firmly over the nose and the CPAP machine that generates the positive airway pressure sits on a table next to the bed. CPAP treatment is used in most patients who have apnea. Jaw surgery is the most invasive surgical procedure used to treat this malady. The surgical procedure may be limited to pulling the tongue forward. An extensive procedure may entail moving both the mandible and maxilla. Extensive jaw surgery has a higher complication rate and a longer recovery time.

Because obstructive sleep apnea disturbs your rest several times a night, you can be very sleepy during the day. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the chance of having high blood pressure and even a heart attack or stroke. Patients also run the risk of diabetes, work-related accidents and driving accidents. If you suspect that you have the condition, then consult a sleep disorder center for a sleep study. They can monitor your symptoms during sleep and prescribe a course of treatment.

"If You Constantly Feel Tired Or Sleep Deprived, You're Most Likely Missing Out On 90% Of The Energy Dormant In Your Sleep That Could Easily Send Your Productivity, Motivation, And Success Through The Roof."

Do you want to...

1. Melt anxiety and release you to relax and feel your best In 10 Minutes?
2. Finally get the sleep you've always wanted?
3. Wake up bursting with energy, much more motivation and drive?
4. Have more time in your life to do more of what you love?
5. Drastically improve your productivity and success?
6. Quit taking the expensive, addictive and dangerous sleeping pills naturally and easily?
7. Put the sizzle and energy back into your dormant love life?
8. Improve the overall health of your body and your immune system?

Just enter your name and email to receive more information immediately !

Your name and email address will not be sold, shared or disclosed to anyone. We promise to respect your privacy.

Today's Tip On Sleeping

Like other sleep disorders, sleep apnea syndrome impacts the quality of your rest and leaves you sleepy during the day. However, if left untreated, then the condition can lead to other health problems that can be life threatening. Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, then read on for a list of symptoms to look for and options for treating the disorder.