Sleep apnea is a medical condition that occurs when the airways get obstructed when one is sleeping. The obstruction usually results in one stopping breathing and then starting again. The stopping and starting of the breathing process can happen several times in a single sleep session. This process is involuntary, which means that one has no control of it. Treatment for sleep apnea depend on the cause.
However, the condition can also be instigated by a problem of signaling in the brain. Essentially, signals in the brain that control breathing are not correctly transmitted or received when this condition occurs. If obstruction causes this problem, it is known as obstructive sleep apnea and it is the most common cause. Signaling problems cause the other type of disorder referred to as central sleep apnea. This condition is not as common.
One usually stops breathing for some time until brain receives breathing signals or the airway is reopened. A snort or a deep breath is usually used to signify one has resumed normal breathing. There are times when one will totally be awakened with the feeling of gasping, choking or smothering. If the condition is not treated, it may result in a number of conditions including depression and heart attack among others.
Treatment for this condition is usually chosen based on the level of severity and its cause. The goal of any treatment method is to normalize the process of breathing as one sleeps. When breathing is normalized, it usually has several effects on the patient, including eliminating daytime fatigue. Normal breathing also prevents cardiovascular changes that occur because of excess strain caused by improper breathing.
During treatment the first step is to change the lifestyle of an individual. According to research the type of life one leads usually plays a major role in causing the condition. Lifestyle changes necessary include quitting alcohol and cigarette smoking, side sleeping and losing weight. There individuals who experience sleep apnea when they lie on their backs but breathing resumes to normal when they turn on their side.
Such people should ensure they sleep on their side every time. Wearing special devices around the waist or the back to keep one from sleeping on their side is also a treatment approach. Research has concluded that positional therapy is efficient over a long period for one who is not able to wear CPAP.
Airways are usually blocked by excess tissue in the throat which as one sleeps usually collapses thus causing sleep apnea. The problem can also be dealt with through surgery to remove the excess tissue. Areas targeted during the surgery includes the soft palate and uvula, tongue, upper and lower jaw, and the tonsils and adenoids.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important for one to understand a few things about it. First, one must ask the surgeon about the success fate of the procedure. One must also learn about the various options available to them and why they are not the best for the patient. There are also certain side effects and risks involved in any kinds of surgery, and so one should know about them.
However, the condition can also be instigated by a problem of signaling in the brain. Essentially, signals in the brain that control breathing are not correctly transmitted or received when this condition occurs. If obstruction causes this problem, it is known as obstructive sleep apnea and it is the most common cause. Signaling problems cause the other type of disorder referred to as central sleep apnea. This condition is not as common.
One usually stops breathing for some time until brain receives breathing signals or the airway is reopened. A snort or a deep breath is usually used to signify one has resumed normal breathing. There are times when one will totally be awakened with the feeling of gasping, choking or smothering. If the condition is not treated, it may result in a number of conditions including depression and heart attack among others.
Treatment for this condition is usually chosen based on the level of severity and its cause. The goal of any treatment method is to normalize the process of breathing as one sleeps. When breathing is normalized, it usually has several effects on the patient, including eliminating daytime fatigue. Normal breathing also prevents cardiovascular changes that occur because of excess strain caused by improper breathing.
During treatment the first step is to change the lifestyle of an individual. According to research the type of life one leads usually plays a major role in causing the condition. Lifestyle changes necessary include quitting alcohol and cigarette smoking, side sleeping and losing weight. There individuals who experience sleep apnea when they lie on their backs but breathing resumes to normal when they turn on their side.
Such people should ensure they sleep on their side every time. Wearing special devices around the waist or the back to keep one from sleeping on their side is also a treatment approach. Research has concluded that positional therapy is efficient over a long period for one who is not able to wear CPAP.
Airways are usually blocked by excess tissue in the throat which as one sleeps usually collapses thus causing sleep apnea. The problem can also be dealt with through surgery to remove the excess tissue. Areas targeted during the surgery includes the soft palate and uvula, tongue, upper and lower jaw, and the tonsils and adenoids.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important for one to understand a few things about it. First, one must ask the surgeon about the success fate of the procedure. One must also learn about the various options available to them and why they are not the best for the patient. There are also certain side effects and risks involved in any kinds of surgery, and so one should know about them.
About the Author:
If you are looking for information about treatment for sleep apnea, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.sleepsystems-llc.com/sleep-apnea now.