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 shuts 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.

Sleep apnea is a common but potentially deadly condition that affects an estimated 12 million adults in the United States alone. Though there are different types of sleep apnea (including central, obstructive and mixed), they all have the same effect: they cause you to literally stop breathing in your sleep. If the thought of going without air for up to a minute or longer, dozens or perhaps hundreds of times a night (and not even being aware of it) terrifies you, you’re not alone! Sleep apnea can be especially disturbing for the loved ones who witness this potentially deadly disorder at work.

Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea has been studied extensively and doctors now know which individuals are most at risk:

	The most common reason for developing sleep apnea is being overweight. Over 90% of those with sleep apnea are obese or morbidly obese and most have a collar size over 17 (16 in females).
	Men are also twice as likely to suffer from this disorder as women.
	Studies have shown that sleep apnea also becomes more common in older adults.
	Certain ethnic groups are also at higher risk including Hispanics, African Americans and those from the Pacific Islands.
	Sleep apnea can also be hereditary.
	Lifestyle can play an important role as well in the development of this disorder with smoking and high blood pressure increasing an individual’s risk.

One group of individuals that are at risk are those 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.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

	Snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea.
	Feeling tired during the day
	Trouble concentrating on tasks or difficulty with memory
	Changes in behavior can also be a warning sign and include being irritable or depressed.
	Frequent urination during the night
	Headaches in the morning
	Unusually dry throat upon waking

In children the symptoms may be similar but can also include a marked drop in performance at school and increased aggression. Parents may also notice bedwetting and a difference in their child’s sleeping positions.

For more info. on sleep apnea in children

As we know, this disorder can be life threatening if it isn’t treated.  Fortunately, there are sleep apnea treatments available. 

If you think you may have some symptoms of sleep apnea, see your doctor as soon as possible.

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!

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