Sleep apnea symptoms are the result of a condition in which a person actually stops breathing for perhaps a minute or sometimes longer several times throughout the night. Usually a person that has this condition may not even realize he or she is experiencing obstructive breathing problems while sleeping and are only made aware by spouses who witness the frightening episodes. Central, obstructive and mixed apnea are the three types of nighttime breathing problems. The central condition does not originate from obstructions of any sort, but is caused by the brain's inability to send signals to muscles that induce breathing. The obstructive condition is the most common and is caused by an obstruction that intermittently stops air flow. Mixed apnea is a condition that combines the other two conditions and causes a sufferer to wake up enough to breathe, but doesn't allow a restful night. "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) There are various treatment protocols to address all types of the condition including surgery, sleep apnea machines and self help methods.
Most people who have symptoms of the condition are more likely to be over 40, male and overweight although any age, gender and physical size may be diagnosed with it. The problem is more common than most people realize with over 10 million people in the U.S. having some form of the condition. Many do not seek treatment and may sustain serious health problems if left untreated. Sleep apnea symptoms include heart problems, high blood pressure, headaches, memory loss, lack of concentration, cardiovascular disease and much more. One of the most common symptoms associated with the issue is loud, annoying snoring. Since obstructive problems are generally the most pervasive among those who suffer with chronic breathing problems at night, there are many treatments targeted at opening the airway as well as providing oxygen for those who may not receive enough to the brain while sleeping.
In order for a person to receive the right treatments, a physician that specializes in the disorder can arrange testing that is done at home or in a sleep lab where a person is monitored through a sleep test. A polysomnogram is conducted where electrodes are placed at specific points on the body to determine heart rate, brain activity, oxygen in the blood, eye movement, and breathing. Even audio recordings of snoring and other sounds are made that may help determine the cause of the problem. The tests are easily monitored by the patient at home or at a clinic by professionals and are generally paid for by most people's insurance companies. Those who experience less serious sleep apnea symptoms may only need to conduct self help measures to improve their sleep. Losing weight, changing pillows, sleeping on their side and elevating the neck can reduce or eliminate symptoms altogether in some cases. People who are diagnosed with more severe forms of the condition may require anything from surgery to the use of sleep apnea machines for long term relief.
Sometimes surgery to the nasal cavity, tonsils, adenoids, uvula and other throat tissue may be necessary to correct the problem. Obstructions can occur at birth and go unnoticed until a person grows older at which time tissue begins to loosen in the neck and throat which can block easy breathing at night. Another method of treatment that can help those who have severe problems is by using one of the various sleep apnea machines. Most of the machines are manufactured to force air into the lungs and provide much needed oxygen to the brain while also minimizing snoring and 'no breath' episodes. Many patients who use these types of products claim that they awaken in the morning rejuvenated and refreshed like never before. The spouses of those who wear a sleeping machine at night can also rest without being concerned that their husband or wife will not catch the next breath.
Other products such as dental devices, bedding products and other apparatuses can also be found among the broad range of treatment options. Doctors can prescribe various products that may alleviate or altogether eliminate sleep apnea symptoms for many people. Most products cannot be purchased from a supplier without a prescription from a physician. Breathing apparatuses are moderately expensive and reputable companies always provide warranties as well as guarantees with the items purchased. Health insurance companies provide coverage for sleep apnea machines which is a welcome relief to those who may not be able to afford several hundred dollars or more for the answer to their problems. There are machines made for those who travel and units that can include a humidifier as well. A user can choose from a variety of masks that are compatible with units. Even though sleep conditions can be problematic for a patient as well as the family, there are many ways to deal with symptoms that can provide major relief to all concerned. There are many licensed health professionals that can provide proper testing, an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment protocol for a wide variety of sleep apnea symptoms.
Most people who have symptoms of the condition are more likely to be over 40, male and overweight although any age, gender and physical size may be diagnosed with it. The problem is more common than most people realize with over 10 million people in the U.S. having some form of the condition. Many do not seek treatment and may sustain serious health problems if left untreated. Sleep apnea symptoms include heart problems, high blood pressure, headaches, memory loss, lack of concentration, cardiovascular disease and much more. One of the most common symptoms associated with the issue is loud, annoying snoring. Since obstructive problems are generally the most pervasive among those who suffer with chronic breathing problems at night, there are many treatments targeted at opening the airway as well as providing oxygen for those who may not receive enough to the brain while sleeping.
In order for a person to receive the right treatments, a physician that specializes in the disorder can arrange testing that is done at home or in a sleep lab where a person is monitored through a sleep test. A polysomnogram is conducted where electrodes are placed at specific points on the body to determine heart rate, brain activity, oxygen in the blood, eye movement, and breathing. Even audio recordings of snoring and other sounds are made that may help determine the cause of the problem. The tests are easily monitored by the patient at home or at a clinic by professionals and are generally paid for by most people's insurance companies. Those who experience less serious sleep apnea symptoms may only need to conduct self help measures to improve their sleep. Losing weight, changing pillows, sleeping on their side and elevating the neck can reduce or eliminate symptoms altogether in some cases. People who are diagnosed with more severe forms of the condition may require anything from surgery to the use of sleep apnea machines for long term relief.
Sometimes surgery to the nasal cavity, tonsils, adenoids, uvula and other throat tissue may be necessary to correct the problem. Obstructions can occur at birth and go unnoticed until a person grows older at which time tissue begins to loosen in the neck and throat which can block easy breathing at night. Another method of treatment that can help those who have severe problems is by using one of the various sleep apnea machines. Most of the machines are manufactured to force air into the lungs and provide much needed oxygen to the brain while also minimizing snoring and 'no breath' episodes. Many patients who use these types of products claim that they awaken in the morning rejuvenated and refreshed like never before. The spouses of those who wear a sleeping machine at night can also rest without being concerned that their husband or wife will not catch the next breath.
Other products such as dental devices, bedding products and other apparatuses can also be found among the broad range of treatment options. Doctors can prescribe various products that may alleviate or altogether eliminate sleep apnea symptoms for many people. Most products cannot be purchased from a supplier without a prescription from a physician. Breathing apparatuses are moderately expensive and reputable companies always provide warranties as well as guarantees with the items purchased. Health insurance companies provide coverage for sleep apnea machines which is a welcome relief to those who may not be able to afford several hundred dollars or more for the answer to their problems. There are machines made for those who travel and units that can include a humidifier as well. A user can choose from a variety of masks that are compatible with units. Even though sleep conditions can be problematic for a patient as well as the family, there are many ways to deal with symptoms that can provide major relief to all concerned. There are many licensed health professionals that can provide proper testing, an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment protocol for a wide variety of sleep apnea symptoms.
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