Obstructive sleep apnea can be a real nightmare. People who suffer from sleep apnea can stop breathing for 10 seconds at a time because their upper airways get obstructed by soft tissue at the back of their mouth. Once the body realizes that its oxygen levels are low, it wakes itself up, interrupting the person's sleep.
It is impossible for a person to monitor themselves as they sleep. The only way to detect sleep apnea is to observe its effects. Sleep apnea causes a person to wake all through the night, and the effects can be felt during the day.
A person who suffers from sleep apnea will:
The best way to diagnose sleep apnea is to have the patient observed while sleeping. Someone who suffers from sleep apnea will likely:
1. The most common cause of the disorder is excess weight.
2. Sleep apnea may also be hereditary. For example, a person who inherits a narrow throat is more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
3. Conditions that cause blockage of the airway can also trigger obstructive sleep apnea. Allergies, a deviated septum and smoking can all cause sleep apnea.
4. Sleep apnea becomes more likely and common with age. In women, the sleep disorder may begin to happen with the onset of menopause. For men, the chances of suffering from sleep apnea also increase with age.
5. Compared to women, men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
6. People with extra-thick necks are more likely to suffer from the disorder than people with regular-sized necks.
Loss of sleep is the most direct effect of this sleep disorder. Insufficient sleep weakens the body and causes health complications. The most common complications of sleep apnea are heart disease, hypertension and psychological issues.
Daytime drowsiness caused by sleep apnea can also contribute to accidents in the workplace and on the road.
There are three approaches used to deal with the sleep disorder. The first is to make lifestyle changes that remove preventable causes of sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and losing weight help open up the airway.
The second approach is surgical intervention like in the case of a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils. The third approach is management. There are several treatments that help keep the airway open during sleep:
1. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy pushes a stream of air through a mask and into the patient's airway. The constant stream of air keeps the airway open through the night.
2. Oral appliances like mandibular repositioning devices (MRD) are used to position the jaw forward, creating more space at the back of the mouth. More space means an unobstructed airway, which means no more sleep apnea.
If you are always tired and your significant other is constantly complaining about your snoring, it may be a good idea to see a doctor or sleep therapist. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend an oral appliance to help you sleep. For a comfortable oral appliance, schedule a visit with your dentist and get fitted as soon as possible.
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