Sleep Apnea – The Sleep Disorder
Sleep apnea happens when a person’s breathing becomes abnormal during sleep. People with sleep apnea tend to snore loudly and disturb others with their heavy breathing when they are asleep. When a person has untreated sleep apnea, they stop breathing continually during sleep. This can disturb the brain due to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and other parts of the body too. Sleep apnea leads to inadequate sleep and additional health issues.
Can anyone have sleep apnea?
Yes, anyone can be affected by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is relatively more common in men than women. People who are overweight and over age 40 are more likely to get sleep apnea. Other risk factors include having a family history of sleep apnea. Also, people with allergies and nasal congestion can have sleep apneas. Children are also exposed to sleep apnea as it is a sleep disorder that doesn’t respect any age factor.
Types of sleep apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is stimulated by blockage of the airway. It prompts breathing to frequently stop and start during sleep. OSA occurs when the delicate tissue at the tip of the throat fails and closes during sleep. This is the most popular type of sleep apnea. When a person is affected by OSA, they snore loudly. This implies that the airways are closed and there is a struggle for air.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) doesn’t indicate that the airways are blocked. In this case, the brain is not able to communicate proper signals to the muscles that regulate breathing. It is different from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CSA could be a sign of an underlying ailment. People with CSA can wake up feeling too tired and moody during the day.
Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA) on the other hand, means that the affected person is suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). In most cases, it starts with CSA and ends with OSA.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
There are some signs that one should look out for. Though the person with Sleep apnea might not notice these symptoms. Most times, these symptoms are noticed by the people around them. However, once you notice these symptoms you should visit dentist at Bolton for a medical check-up
- Loud snore
- Fatigue during the day
- Struggle for air (this is because the airways are blocked)
- Insomnia
- Migraine
- Lose of stamina and concentration
People suffering from sleep apnea shouldn’t be allowed to drive alone or control heavy machines.
What happens If sleep apnea is left untreated?
If you don’t seek proper urgent medical care for sleep apnea, It can lead to other serious health conditions. A person who tries to overlook sleep apnea is at serious risk of having heart failure, heart palpitations, headaches, insomnia, Stroke, high blood pressure, fatigue, and the likes. Sleep apnea can also affect the mind. In most cases, the affected person might battle with concentration issues and depression.
Sleep apnea shouldn’t be ignored. The affected person can get sleep apnea treatment in Bolton, ON.
Are there remedies for sleep apnea?
After your doctor has done an examination based on your symptoms. Sleep apnea needs to be treated with the help of family members or those around you who have noticed it. You might be inferred to a sleep disorder center. A sleep specialist can assist you to determine your requirement for further analysis. You can get your sleep apnea treatment in Bolton, ON.
Treatments for sleep apnea differ based on how severe or mild the cases might be. If it is a mild case, the doctor will guide the patient on how they can make several changes about their lifestyles that might help the situation. For patients with nasal congestion and other allergies, they’d have to put an end to habits that could make the situation worse. The affected person might have to go on a specific food diet, exercise (if need be), and most importantly, quit smoking. There are other sleep apnea cures.
If your apnea is severe, there are several other treatments available. Some devices can enable the opening up of the blocked airway. Sometimes surgery may be required.