SLEEP APNEA

Sleep Apnea happens when someone is asleep and they can’t get their breath, in fact the word “Apnea” is a Greek word meaning “without breath”.

After falling asleep, the airways in the throat get restricted and this huts off the oxygen supply to the brain and the brain responds with a “wake up” call! Reasons for the restrictions vary but include jaw deformity, uvula mis-shaping or the most common, being over weight.

The numbers, unfortunately, don’t lie. Over 90% of those with sleep apnea are obese or morbidly obese and most have a collar size over 17 (16 in females). The majority are males who are middle aged or older!

As we know, this disorder can be life threatening if it isn’t treated and it can be treated in a number of ways. Of course those who are obese and have problems breathing also snore and are constantly gasping for air as they sleep.

Partners are usually the first to notice as periods of non-breathing are occurring along with the snoring and the patient doesn’t notice these events. What they do notice is being tired and irritable during the day.

Deprivation of oxygen to the brain and/or the heart can cause serious damage if left un-diagnosed. Other symptoms that may be noticed could include headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, anxiety, heavy sweating at night and eventually depression. Being constantly tired is no way to run your life!

One group of individuals that are at risk are those who have been born with Down’s Syndrome. It is estimated that as many as 50 % of those with this affliction may suffer some apnea problems. This happens because of various head, nose or throat deformities which cause obstruction in the breathing patterns and, in these cases, surgery is often necessary.

Go to Sleep Apnea Treatments

Return to Sleep Help Home Page from Sleep Apnea