Sleep Apnea is caused by various things, as in snoring although one is harmless, and the other is potentially life-threatening. It can be eased however with the use of a CPAP machine,
Although many of us abuse our sleeping patterns, a good nights rest can benefit our health, well-being and mind. It is predicted that over 17 million in the US suffer from the condition. Therefore more awareness needs to made of what symptoms to look out for.
Good And Bad Snoring When a person snores, the person snoring is usually unaware that they are doing it. Light snorers are harmless and sleeping a full nights sleep is normal for them. A loud snorer is usually an indication of Sleep Apnea. As the airway gets blocked, they can stop breathing for seconds and even minutes at a time, the end of a breathing pause, is followed by a loud grunt which is why Sleep Apnea sufferers often get confused with snorers.
The morning after the night before The sleeper snoring is not just unaware they can also go a full nights sleep without waking. This may not be the case for their partner however. A person with Sleep Apnea will suffer with pauses in breath causing them to wake up sometime gasping for breath. Someone with Sleep Apnea has a very uncomfortable nights sleep leaving them exhausted the next day,
What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring There are many reasons behind why someone might snore: from lying on your back all the way to obesity. Alcohol and smoking have also been linked to the condition. The causes of Sleep Apnea are very similar. However you are more at risk from Sleep Apnea if: you are male, overweight, over 40 years old and you have a large neck. It has also been proven to run in the family.
The Warning Signs The best way to know you have Sleep Apnea is by someone informing you about your pause in breathing or by completing a sleep study. However there is a list of symptoms you can have and notice yourself which could be a sign you have Sleep Apnea, these include: Poor Quality of sleep, waking yourself by snoring especially if you have just fell asleep, headaches, depression and fatigue. If you think you have the condition it is best to seek advice from a doctor.
The Treatment Snorers have been advised to use gum guards, nasal strips and sometimes medication. It is more crucial however, to treat Sleep Apnea. CPAP machines have been created blowing a strong force of air into the airway via a CPAP mask, to keep the airway open whilst asleep. Preventing pauses in breath occurring.
There are a high percentage of snorers however they could actually have Sleep Apnea. The condition is not dangerous if it is recognised, but visit your doctor for advice about your concerns.
Nov 20, 2011
54 Views
