:: Facts About Sleep Apnea, Problem Snoring & Health

Facts About Sleep Apnea & Problem Snoring

Sleeping Disorders : Hazardous To Your Health
There are different types of sleeping disorders, yet regardless of whether it's chronic snoring, sleep apnea, or insomnia, the cause of sleepiness and the subsequent loss of proper rest can diminish the quality of your life, cause serious health problems, or even kill you.

Problems from sleep deprivation constitute a major medical issue, though one only moderately recognized by the general public. This page offers the primary information for your immediate benefit. Get to know the warning signs and why snoring and sleep apnea are dangerous.

Snoring Is Related to Sleep Apnea

Affecting nearly 100 million Americans, snoring is the uvula and/or soft palate making noise as it vibrates against the back of the throat or base of the tongue.

Inhalation is difficult during snoring since the airway passage for breathing is intermittently blocked. As snoring becomes more severe, the blockage of breath increases and oxygen absorption is reduced.

Severe snoring that substantially blocks your air passage is known as obstructive sleep apnea. At this stage, snoring interferes with normal breathing and the body is no longer getting adequate oxygen.

(OSA) Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA occurs when the person literally cannot breathe; off and on episodes of restricted breathing may occur up to a hundred times during the night and last up to a minute each. The health effects can be disastrous.

This constant sleep / wake cycle during the night combined with diminished oxygen levels can lead to very serious health issues for the person affected as well as becoming a liability to other people too.

The Health Risks Involved
The consequences of sleep deprivation can range from being fatigued and tired during the day, to experiencing memory loss, depression, irritability, high blood pressure, a stroke or even heart failure.

When deep sleep is inhibited, the body is unable to replenish vital energy. A lack of rest will most often result in daytime sleepiness and poor concentration.

Thousands of automobile accidents, deaths and work related injuries every year are directly attributed to drowsiness from inadequate nighttime resting.

Open Airway Passage Here the soft palate and the uvula are of normal length and size. The tongue is held in a forward position away from the airway and soft palate.

Blocked air passage

Obstructed Breathing During Sleep The obstruction of breath while sleeping occurs when a dilated uvula and elongated soft palate are pushed against the airway. A jaw receding inward will push the tongue back towards the airway passage - restricting airflow even more.

The Warning Signs
Be aware of specific symptoms which might indicate that you have a sleeping disorder. If you or a family member experience one or more of the following symptoms on a regular basis, there is a high probability that you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

snoring loudly
struggling for air during sleep
sounds of choking accompanied by silence
headaches in the morning
sleep that seldom refreshes you
excessive sleepiness in daytime
lack of concentration
falling asleep as you're driving
reduced work performance
a lowered sex drive

Help For Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Fortunately both snoring and sleep apnea respond well to treatment. Additionally, there are simple measures you can employ to prevent sleeplessness such as losing weight, avoiding sedatives and alcohol before bedtime and sleeping on your side to allow for better air flow.

Don't become a statistic; help is available. Prepare yourself with knowledge and ask your physician for more information. The debilitating effects of sleep loss are both preventable and treatable. Our clinic offers an affordable, proven-effective therapy for sleep apnea and snoring.