Sleep Apnea Represents A Very Commonly Seen and Sometimes Dangerous Sleep Disorder
Sleep apnea is probably the commonest sleep disorder and affects approximately eighteen million Americans. A sleeping disorder that is characterized by broken breathing during sleep, it is also without question the most dangerous of all sleep disorders as it starves the brain of essential oxygen and can sometimes prove to be fatal.
There are two totally different types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is basically a neurological condition where the breathing is broken as a result of signals sent from the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea by contrast is basically a mechanical problem in which the windpipe is obstructed either by excessive tissue or by the unusual collapse or relaxation of muscle tissue in and around the windpipe. In either case however the results are essentially identical with recurrent interruptions to the breathing which starve the brain of oxygen and place sufferers at greater risk from such things as hypertension, heart attack and stroke.
Unfortunately, diagnosing sleep apnea can prove difficult because snoring, which is one of its commonest symptoms and frequently results in sleep apnea being referred to as the snoring disease, is also often seen as a symptom of numerous other medical problems. Snoring is certainly often present in cases of sleep apnea because the brain counters a drop in oxygen by awakening the sufferer sufficiently to restart breathing and this usually gives rise to snoring.
This recurrent awakening through the night also produces a poor overall quality of sleep and it is not at all uncommon for sufferers to wake up in the morning feeling more tired than they were when they got into bed. This also produces feelings of exhaustion during the day and a great wish to sleep.
But, tiredness arising from a poor quality of sleep is only part of the picture and various other symptoms will almost certainly be seen including morning headaches, poor memory and a difficulty in concentrating.
Left untreated the growing exhaustion from sleep apnea may lead to significant psychological problems starting with simple tetchiness and progressing to depression with clear changes in both behavior and mood.
Both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea can be treated and, as long as the condition is caught at an early stage, this treatment can often be relatively easy. For instance, minor cases of obstructive sleep apnea caused by nasal congestion can usually be treated with nothing more than decongestants. Likewise, many cases of sleep apnea that are not particularly severe may be treated using a mask that is worn during sleep and that provides a constant pressure of air in order to keep the airway open. Lastly, in the most serious cases of sleep apnea surgery may be necessary and can be very effective, though it may also produce a number of complications and has to be approached carefully.
Probably the most important thing to remember with sleep apnea is that as it carries the potentially fatal risk of respiratory failure sufferers ought not to be tempted to use sleeping pills or to use other forms of sleep enhancers without first seeking the approval of their doctor.
Natural sleep remedies unquestionably complement prescribed treatments and herbal remedies which are designed to improve the duration and quality of sleep can assist in the management of the excessive daytime sleepiness normally brought on by sleep apnea. Similarly, such things as aromatherapy, chromatherapy and guided relaxation and meditation can help in reducing the anxiety and insomnia that go along with sleep apnea.