Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to be interrupted while sleeping.  Individuals who are tired following a full night of sleep and those who snore loudly often suffer from sleep apnea.

The Variations of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is that in which the muscles within the throat relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to transmit the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome occurs when an individual has central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

There are several sleep apnea symptoms ranging from loud snoring to morning headaches, difficulty remaining asleep, and waking with a dry mouth. Additional sleep apnea symptoms include gasping for air when sleeping, general irritability, difficulty paying attention, and sleepiness during the daytime. However, it must be noted that some individuals who have sleep apnea do not snore.

Sleep Apnea Causes and Risk Factors

Obstructive sleep apnea results from the muscles in the back of the throat relaxing and narrowing the airways, preventing a sufficient amount of air from reaching the lungs and ultimately reducing the oxygen level within the blood. The brain identifies the breathing challenge, causing the patient to wake and reopen the airway. However, the waking up is usually short and not memorable.

Men tend to suffer from sleep apnea more than women, and the top risk factors for sleep apnea beyond that include excessive weight, a thick neck with narrow airways, being older, family genetics, smoking, and alcohol use. Furthermore, nasal congestion that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose is also one of the top risk factors for sleep apnea. Individuals with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease are also more likely to have sleep apnea.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you are encouraged to meet with a doctor. Treatment of sleep apnea will ease symptoms and possibly prevent health complications that could come about or worsen if left untreated. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and weight loss will help in the battle against sleep apnea, however, there are treatments available that can stop this condition.