Sleep apnea is a disorder with potentially serious consequences. It causes a person to experience interrupted breathing while he or she is asleep. Those with this disorder often stop breathing continuously throughout the night. Certain individuals who have participated in studies at sleep apnea centers have found that they unknowingly stopped breathing hundreds of times in an eight hour period. Fortunately, treatments are available for this disorder.
Obstructive and central are the two types of sleep apnea from which one can suffer. Obstructive is more commonly seen than central, but the side effects of both are equally as dangerous. The obstructive form of the condition is characterized by complete or partial blockage of the individual's upper respiratory airway. When breathing returns to normal, it is usually accompanied with a loud gasping sound or a sudden jerk of the person's body. This kind of apnea can be the result of numerous factors, including pulmonary disorders, sleeping in awkward positions, cardiac disease, deviated septum, asthma, allergies, and obesity.
Those suffering from the central form of the disorder do not have upper respiratory obstructions. Rather, their brains simply fail to appropriately signal the muscles that control breathing. This results in respiratory tract instability. It is regarded as a central nervous system disorder, even though the reason it occurs has not yet been discovered.
Interestingly, statistics show that there are more male patients in this category than there are females. One in every ten women are afflicted with the disorder, while as many as one in four males suffer from the condition. Scientists have not yet determined why this is the case. The condition is especially common in obese persons, and does not typically manifest until one is over the age of forty.
The symptoms of this condition are typically noticed by other members of the household before the patient himself or herself realizes that the disorder is present. Loud snoring is one of the most common signs of the condition. Couples often report that the partner who is suffering from the condition jolts awake many times throughout the night, even though he or she may be unaware of the fact that this is occurring.
Patients may enjoy a good night sleep by using certain medical devices. These include equipment such as BPAP masks that are designed to prevent the person's airway from becoming obstructed while he or she is asleep. However, prior to treating the condition with such devices, medical evaluation is important.
In some instances, the soft palate can be trimmed or other procedures can be completed to decrease the individual's symptoms. Whether or not these procedures are an option will depend on the person's overall health and the type of the condition from which he or she suffers. Simpler treatments include sleeping in a position that promotes good breathing and losing excess weight.
A lack of oxygen to vital organs and heart rhythm irregularities are 2 of the most serious side effects associated with the condition. This is why seeking evaluation at sleep apnea centers is a good idea for many individuals. Those experiencing this problem on a regular basis should seek the advice of a licensed health care professional as soon as possible.
Obstructive and central are the two types of sleep apnea from which one can suffer. Obstructive is more commonly seen than central, but the side effects of both are equally as dangerous. The obstructive form of the condition is characterized by complete or partial blockage of the individual's upper respiratory airway. When breathing returns to normal, it is usually accompanied with a loud gasping sound or a sudden jerk of the person's body. This kind of apnea can be the result of numerous factors, including pulmonary disorders, sleeping in awkward positions, cardiac disease, deviated septum, asthma, allergies, and obesity.
Those suffering from the central form of the disorder do not have upper respiratory obstructions. Rather, their brains simply fail to appropriately signal the muscles that control breathing. This results in respiratory tract instability. It is regarded as a central nervous system disorder, even though the reason it occurs has not yet been discovered.
Interestingly, statistics show that there are more male patients in this category than there are females. One in every ten women are afflicted with the disorder, while as many as one in four males suffer from the condition. Scientists have not yet determined why this is the case. The condition is especially common in obese persons, and does not typically manifest until one is over the age of forty.
The symptoms of this condition are typically noticed by other members of the household before the patient himself or herself realizes that the disorder is present. Loud snoring is one of the most common signs of the condition. Couples often report that the partner who is suffering from the condition jolts awake many times throughout the night, even though he or she may be unaware of the fact that this is occurring.
Patients may enjoy a good night sleep by using certain medical devices. These include equipment such as BPAP masks that are designed to prevent the person's airway from becoming obstructed while he or she is asleep. However, prior to treating the condition with such devices, medical evaluation is important.
In some instances, the soft palate can be trimmed or other procedures can be completed to decrease the individual's symptoms. Whether or not these procedures are an option will depend on the person's overall health and the type of the condition from which he or she suffers. Simpler treatments include sleeping in a position that promotes good breathing and losing excess weight.
A lack of oxygen to vital organs and heart rhythm irregularities are 2 of the most serious side effects associated with the condition. This is why seeking evaluation at sleep apnea centers is a good idea for many individuals. Those experiencing this problem on a regular basis should seek the advice of a licensed health care professional as soon as possible.
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If you think you might have a sleeping disorder, click this sleep apnea centers link. To find out about a complimentary consultation with Apnea & Snoring Dental Solutions of Portland visit us on the Web today at http://apneaandsnoring.com.
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