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Have Sleep Apnea? What Can You Do About it?

The term sleep apnea (ap-ne-ah) comes from a Greek word, apnea, that translates to “without breath”. Among the more common varieties of sleep disorders, sleep apnea is divided into three types: central, mixed, and obstructive. They all include the sometimes severe symptoms which result in a stoppage of breathing for a minute or more while asleep. This may occur over one hundred times per night and can be very disruptive to a good nights sleep. Once breathing has commenced once again the person will usually snort in air or startle themselves and may awaken. A common occurrence, sleep apnea occurs as a result of overweight, over forty, and those who have type 2 diabetes, but can happen to any age group, including children. Sleep apnea is such a big problem there is a national organization called the American Sleep Apnea Association dedicated to learning, understanding, and solving the problems associated with this serious sleep disorder.

There are three main types of sleep apnea disorder:

1) Obstructive sleep apnea

This form of the sleep disorder is the result of blocked airways of the nose or throat and can be readily repaired with surgery. The soft tissue at the back of one’s throat closes temporarily, resulting in an inability to draw in oxygen and the result can become serious when this goes on for an extended period of time.

2) Mixed sleep apnea

As its name implies, this form has various causes and may be a combination of more than one type. The apnea sufferer continually awakens and falls back asleep, resulting in a poor quality nights sleep and they awaken feeling worn out and sleepy.

3) Central sleep apnea
Those who suffer from central sleep apnea find they do not have blocked airways but their brain does not pass on the signal to breath to muscles responsible. This is seen more commonly in men than women but any sex and any age can be plagued by the problem of apnea and its resulting effects. Many people have the problem yet are not aware of it. They will awaken feeling worn out and not know why. Their family members may notice the abrupt snorting and rapid breathing and become concerned. Visiting a doctor or sleep specialist is strongly advised to determine the seriousness of the disorder.

Sleep apnea affects over twelve million Americans

It is thought that at least twelve million people suffer from sleep apnea, making it as commonly diagnosed as adult onset diabetes. The results of sleep deprivation due to this disorder include higher blood pressure, loss of memory, cardiovascular disorders, impotency, headaches, and weight gain. The results of poor nights sleep associated with this disorder can include automobile accidents and job related accidents that can be serious. There are treatments available to help with problems associated with sleep apnea and methods of diagnosing are easy and recommended.

Sleep disorder clinics help diagnose sleep apnea

Tell your doctor if you are suffering from poor nights sleep and or your family describes the symptoms mentioned above. Sleep specialists at a sleep disorder clinic are the best equipped to diagnose sleep apnea and which type the patient suffers from and this is best done during an overnight stay. They have monitoring equipment that will allow them to tell exactly where your problem lies. You will enter the clinic prepared for a good nights sleep so bring along your night clothes. You will be placed on monitors that can read your brain activity, how your heart is functioning, lung capacity, breathing patterns, and how “active” you are when asleep. Blood oxygen levels will be closely monitored because as you stop breathing those results will be lower than normal.

Portable monitors allow some to test at home

If staying overnight in a sleep clinic is not possible you may be able to perform the sleep test at home with portable equipment. This simplified version will test your breathing patterns, blood oxygen level, heart rate the same as in a sleep disorder clinic without the pressure of attempting to sleep in a strange bed. Results may or may not be conclusive in either case and further testing may be recommended.

Throat, nose, and ear specialists provide answers to your sleep disorder

Seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist may help determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea and they can perform simple surgery in most cases to help eliminate the disorder. Those who suffer from central sleep apnea may be helped by a visit to a cardiologist who can determine if you are at risk of heart disease due to the sleep apnea disorder.

Remedies are available for sufferers of sleep apnea

For some a simple lifestyle change may be all that is necessary to help the symptoms of sleep apnea. Quit smoking and lose excess weight to get a good, restful night sleep. If these remedies are not enough the use of a CPAP device may be beneficial. The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine involves a mask and air delivery device that will help by keeping your airways open, preventing snoring and sleep apnea. Oral devices are available that keep your throat open while sleeping and these can be fitted by your dentist. Don’t just try to live with the disorder of sleep apnea because there are remedies that work so you will soon enjoy a good night’s sleep once again.