Sleep apnea is a medical condition that occurs when the airways get obstructed when one is sleeping. The obstruction usually results in one stopping breathing and then starting again. The stopping and starting of the breathing process can happen several times in a single sleep session. This process is involuntary, which means that one has no control of it. Treatment for sleep apnea depend on the cause.
Besides being caused by obstructed airways, this condition is also caused by a signaling problem in the brain. Basically, brain signals that control breathing are not received and/or transmitted correctly. If this problem is caused by obstructed airways, it is called obstructive sleep apnea and it is the commonest. The other variety of this condition is caused by signaling problem and is called central sleep apnea. This one is less common.
When this problem is experienced by someone, breathing is stopped shortly until signals are received by the mind or airways are opened. One usually takes a deep breath or snorts during resumption of normal breathing. At times, gasping, smothering, or choking may awaken someone completely. If one leaves the condition for long without being treated, it is probable for them to develop heart condition or depression among other disorders.
Treatment for this condition is usually chosen based on the level of severity and its cause. The goal of any treatment method is to normalize the process of breathing as one sleeps. When breathing is normalized, it usually has several effects on the patient, including eliminating daytime fatigue. Normal breathing also prevents cardiovascular changes that occur because of excess strain caused by improper breathing.
During treatment the first step is to change the lifestyle of an individual. According to research the type of life one leads usually plays a major role in causing the condition. Lifestyle changes necessary include quitting alcohol and cigarette smoking, side sleeping and losing weight. There individuals who experience sleep apnea when they lie on their backs but breathing resumes to normal when they turn on their side.
Such people should ensure they sleep on their side every time. Wearing special devices around the waist or the back to keep one from sleeping on their side is also a treatment approach. Research has concluded that positional therapy is efficient over a long period for one who is not able to wear CPAP.
The blocking of airways that lead to sleep apnea is caused by extra tissue in the throat that collapse as one sleeps. These extra tissues can be removed through surgery to eliminate this problem. The surgery usually targets various areas, which include upper and lower jaws, tongue, tonsils and adenoids, and soft palate and uvula.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important for one to understand a few things about it. First, one must ask the surgeon about the success fate of the procedure. One must also learn about the various options available to them and why they are not the best for the patient. There are also certain side effects and risks involved in any kinds of surgery, and so one should know about them.
Besides being caused by obstructed airways, this condition is also caused by a signaling problem in the brain. Basically, brain signals that control breathing are not received and/or transmitted correctly. If this problem is caused by obstructed airways, it is called obstructive sleep apnea and it is the commonest. The other variety of this condition is caused by signaling problem and is called central sleep apnea. This one is less common.
When this problem is experienced by someone, breathing is stopped shortly until signals are received by the mind or airways are opened. One usually takes a deep breath or snorts during resumption of normal breathing. At times, gasping, smothering, or choking may awaken someone completely. If one leaves the condition for long without being treated, it is probable for them to develop heart condition or depression among other disorders.
Treatment for this condition is usually chosen based on the level of severity and its cause. The goal of any treatment method is to normalize the process of breathing as one sleeps. When breathing is normalized, it usually has several effects on the patient, including eliminating daytime fatigue. Normal breathing also prevents cardiovascular changes that occur because of excess strain caused by improper breathing.
During treatment the first step is to change the lifestyle of an individual. According to research the type of life one leads usually plays a major role in causing the condition. Lifestyle changes necessary include quitting alcohol and cigarette smoking, side sleeping and losing weight. There individuals who experience sleep apnea when they lie on their backs but breathing resumes to normal when they turn on their side.
Such people should ensure they sleep on their side every time. Wearing special devices around the waist or the back to keep one from sleeping on their side is also a treatment approach. Research has concluded that positional therapy is efficient over a long period for one who is not able to wear CPAP.
The blocking of airways that lead to sleep apnea is caused by extra tissue in the throat that collapse as one sleeps. These extra tissues can be removed through surgery to eliminate this problem. The surgery usually targets various areas, which include upper and lower jaws, tongue, tonsils and adenoids, and soft palate and uvula.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important for one to understand a few things about it. First, one must ask the surgeon about the success fate of the procedure. One must also learn about the various options available to them and why they are not the best for the patient. There are also certain side effects and risks involved in any kinds of surgery, and so one should know about them.
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