Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a commonly ignored problem which often has serious implications. Characterized by short pauses in breath, sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns which lead to sleepiness during daytime.
Causes of sleep apnea
There are several reasons why sleep apnea surfaces. Most of the time, the primary cause of sleep apnea is obesity. This results in what is known as obstructive sleep apnea and it happens when there is a blockage in the air passage. Thus when air tries to pass through this passage it encounters a blockage which results in snoring. Shallow breathing patterns are common during sleep apnea which reduces the flow of oxygen to the body. Another common variant of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea where the portion of the brain that regulates breathing fails to send proper signals to the lungs and breathing muscles. This results in a failure to breathe for short periods of time. This can have serious consequences. Not only does it disrupt breathing but also the person facing sleep apnea is not aware of it.
Symptoms caused by sleep apnea
The body needs rest and sleep and sleep apnea deprives the body of both these essential elements. This results in a fatigued, tired body and mind that fails to remain active during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a common outcome followed by other symptoms such as heart attacks, increased blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. While obesity can cause sleep apnea it can also prove to be an outcome of it. Palpitations and irregular heartbeat are also a common side effect of sleep apnea. The patient also becomes more accident-prone.
Treatment methods
There are many ways in which sleep apnea can be successfully resolved. Often simple changes in lifestyle can make all the difference. Even the usage of mouthpieces or breathing mechanisms and even surgical procedures can eliminate or reduce signs of sleep apnea. Often the best way to successfully treat sleep apnea is by losing excess weight. The intake of sleeping pills or consumption of alcohol should be stopped. Sleep positions also need to be changed on a regular basis to facilitate normal breathing patterns. Smokers need to eliminate smoking as it contributes to swelling in the top air passage. Sleeping over one’s back also causes sleep apnea. Using CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure also helps in curing sleep apnea. A mask is placed on the nose and a machine is used to constantly pump air inside. This keeps the air passage open and prevents any blockage.
Who is more at risk?
Men are more at risk for developing sleep apnea as compared to women. Being obese or overweight is also a large contributing factor to sleep apnea. People who are above 40 years of age or with having large neck sizes are more prone to sleep apnea. The presence of large tonsils can also cause this problem. Hereditary causes such as sleep apnea in the family can increase the risk of contracting this illness.