Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Heavy snoring gives way to obstruction of the the airway and cessation of breathing. This signals the brain for arousal.  You awaken briefly, take a breath and the cycle begins again.  In people with severe apnea, this cycle can occur many times throughout the night, leading to daytime drowsiness and potentially contributing to cardiac problems.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. OSA has been associated with cardiovascular problems and excessive daytime sleepiness. The condition known as upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) lies midway between benign snoring and true obstructive sleep apnea. People with UARS suffer many of the symptoms of OSA but normal sleep testing will be negative.

• Learn more about the Medical Complications that have been associated with sleep apnea.
  
  
• Take the Epworth Self-Test to see if you have a high risk for sleep apnea.
  
  
• Learn more about treatment options.
  

The above information is courtesy of http://www.quietsleep.com

Disclaimer: The text presented on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is for your information only and may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Read More