Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder in which an individual briefly stops breathing while asleep. These breathing interruptions can cause the person to wake up, gasp for air or snore. Left untreated, this condition can lead to sleep deprivation and negatively affect overall health.
Many people suffer from this sleep issue without knowing it. It is important to note that the disorder can fall under two different categories. If the brain does not send signals to the muscles controlling the breathing process, the patient experiences central sleep apnea. However, when the upper airway becomes completely or partially blocked during sleep, the person is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The National Sleep Foundation reports that over 18 million adults in American exhibit obstructive sleep apnea.
Frequent and loud snoring is the most common sign of this disorder. However, it is important to learn and recognize the other frequent symptoms of the condition:
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but it is more common in males than in females. Being overweight is one of the most important risk factors. Other signs that increase the likelihood of this problem include exhibiting a large neck size, being over age 40 or having a family history of the disorder.
Treatment for sleep apnea varies depending on its severity and the underlying cause. A dentist may recommend a nighttime oral appliance to help keep the airway unobstructed. Severe cases are often treated using a continuous positive airway pressure machine, also known as a CPAP device, during sleeping hours.
A patient with sleep apnea may have breathing pauses that last from a few seconds to one minute. They can occur hundreds of times per night. These instances deprive the brain of oxygen and can harm many different systems of the body.
People with untreated sleep apnea can often notice shortness of breath and may find it more difficult to exercise. The condition can worsen symptoms of breathing disorders such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Sleep apnea contributes to the risk of developing hypertension, also called high blood pressure. This increases the strain on the heart and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Patients with the disorder are more likely to have abnormal heart rhythms and have a higher chance of developing heart disease.
Sleep apnea causes individuals to experience decreased blood oxygen levels. This triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which increases blood sugar levels. Over time, this makes sufferers more likely to develop insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and diabetes.
Quality sleep is vital to the body's physical and emotional wellbeing. Sleep apnea puts the body at risk of several serious diseases, making it imperative that patients seek treatment as soon as the condition is suspected.
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