Sleep Apnea

Posted: January 16, 2010
By: Sara

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that takes place when someone’s breathing is interrupted while sleeping. People who are not treated for this disorder stop breathing many times during sleep, often it can be hundreds of times.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is groups into two different categories:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – This is the most common of apnea. It is caused from the airway being blocked and usually occurs when the soft tissue found in the back of the throat collapses as one sleeps.
2. Central Sleep Apnea – This is different than OSA in that the airway is not being blocked but the brain is not signaling the muscles to take a breath. This is because the respiratory control center is not stable.

Anyone at any age can be affected by sleep apnea, even children. However, some of the risk factors include male gender, being over 40 years old, being overweight, have a larger neck size, having large tonsils or having a history in the family of sleep apnea.

If sleep apnea is left untreated there are many health problems that can develop, including stroke, hypertension, irregular heartbeats, heart failure and heart attacks. Being left untreated, it may also be the cause of poor performance in regular activities, such as school, work, car accidents as well as underachievement in school.

Sleep Apnea Complications

Sleep apnea is a very serious medical condition and can have many complications.

• Cardiovascular problems. Quick drops in the levels of blood oxygen during sleep apnea increases blood pressure and puts strain on the cardiovascular system. You are at bigger risk of high blood pressure if you have more severe sleep apnea.
• Daytime fatigue. The continual awakenings of sleep apnea make a normal sleep impossible. People who suffer from sleep apnea experience daytime fatigue and irritability.
• Complications with surgery and medications. Obstructive sleep apneas can be concerning with particular medicines and anesthesia. People who suffer from sleep apnea may experience more complications after surgery because of potential breathing problems.
• Sleep-deprived partners. Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea and many times disrupts the sleep of a partner.

People who have sleep apnea may also suffer from morning headaches, memory issues, mood swings, nocturia, impotence and depression. GERD may also be more common in someone with sleep apnea. Children who suffer with sleep apnea and are not treated may show hyperactivity or symptoms of ADHD.