The American Sleep Apnea Association’s educational material, as well as the consumer, online resources, are very useful in understanding the symptoms of the disorder. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are a disruption in breathing during sleep or loud snoring.
The initial symptom of sleep apnea is a disturbance in breathing while sleeping. These episodes of disturbed breathing can occur many times during the night or can last for several hours. Some people do not awaken from such episodes until they are awakened by loud snoring and or another person.
Treatment of sleep apnea has been designed to decrease or eliminate the pauses in breathing while sleeping. Many doctors may prescribe an exercise program. This can reduce sleep apnea episodes and reduce the occurrences of sleep apnea related daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
The use of medication may be necessary, particularly for patients who have physical problems that make it difficult to breathe while sleeping. If the disruption of breathing is constant or the snoring is severe, the physician may also recommend a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Patients should try to sleep on their backs.
There are several types of sleep apnea. It is usually determined by the length of time the disorder continues after stopping the medication. Patients with mild sleep apnea do not require any medical treatment. Moderate and severe cases require treatment in the form of counseling and diet modifications.
For moderate and severe cases of sleep apnea, there are surgical options available. An external mask is used to lift the lower jaw and keep the lower airway open. The LEEP (Lower Esophageal Sphincter Device) is a surgical procedure that closes the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent excessive airflow while sleeping.
If a patient does not get enough sleep, their sleeping pattern will become disturbed and may eventually cause the sleep apnea to be recognized. A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicated that there are about five million people in the United States who are affected by sleep apnea. Most of these people are male.
Sufferers of sleep apnea have trouble maintaining their regular sleeping patterns. They may wake up during the night or during the day and then return to sleep only to fall back asleep again, waking up several times throughout the night.
Millions of dollars are spent each year by hospitals and doctors as a result of people suffering from sleep apnea. Many people experience sleep deprivation. People who are deprived of sleep cannot perform at their highest level for an extended period of time.
If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, he or she may recommend you to receive additional help to deal with the disorder. This help can include self-help or counseling sessions, as well as various medications to treat the condition. Other treatments include physical therapy and breathing exercises.
There are several types of sleep apnea. Some are more serious than others. If you experience any kind of acne, you should get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.
