What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea, and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. This type of sleep apnea is often associated with loud snoring.
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type of sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can occur in people of any age, but it is more common in adults and is more likely to occur in people who are overweight. Sleep apnea is also more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. A sleep study may be needed to diagnose sleep apnea.
There are two types of sleep studies: a polysomnogram and a multiple sleep latency test. A polysomnogram is a test that measures brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, and breathing during sleep. A multiple sleep latency test is a test that measures how long it takes to fall asleep and how often you wake up during the night.
If you have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side. Your doctor may also recommend a mouthpiece or a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine is a machine that uses air pressure to keep your airway open.
If you have central sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend medications, such as oxygen, to help you breathe. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the blockage in your airway.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, you may snore loudly, and you may feel tired during the day. You may have trouble concentrating, and you may even fall asleep during the day.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, see your doctor. He or she can help you find the right treatment.
What are the causes of sleep apnea?
There are many different causes of sleep apnea, but the most common form is obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing the person to snore loudly and wake up frequently. Sleep apnea can also be caused by a variety of other factors, including obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep position.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
There are a few different treatment options for sleep apnea. The most common and effective treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP. This treatment involves using a machine to pump air into your lungs while you sleep. This air pressure keeps your airway from collapsing and helps you to breathe more easily. Another common treatment for sleep apnea is mouthpiece therapy. This involves wearing a mouthpiece that helps to keep your airway open while you sleep. This mouthpiece can be custom made or you can buy one over the counter. Surgery is another option for treating sleep apnea, but it is usually only recommended for people with very severe sleep apnea.