Valuable Services Are Offered By Sleep Apnea Centers

Sleep apnea is a disorder with potentially serious consequences. It causes a person to experience interrupted breathing while he or she is asleep. Those with this disorder often stop breathing continuously throughout the night. Certain individuals who have participated in studies at sleep apnea centers have found that they unknowingly stopped breathing hundreds of times in an eight hour period. Fortunately, treatments are available for this disorder.

Obstructive and central are the two types of sleep apnea from which one can suffer. Obstructive is more commonly seen than central, but the side effects of both are equally as dangerous. The obstructive form of the condition is characterized by complete or partial blockage of the individual's upper respiratory airway. When breathing returns to normal, it is usually accompanied with a loud gasping sound or a sudden jerk of the person's body. This kind of apnea can be the result of numerous factors, including pulmonary disorders, sleeping in awkward positions, cardiac disease, deviated septum, asthma, allergies, and obesity.

With the central form of the condition, the obstruction is not in the person's upper respiratory tract, but rather this type is caused by the brain's failure to signal the appropriate muscles to complete a full respiration. This results in instability in the respiratory system. It is considered a disorder of one's nervous system, although the reason it occurs is not yet known.

Interestingly, the condition is more prevalent in males than females. Research indicates that the disorder afflicts one out of every ten women and one out of every four men. However, the reason for this is not yet known. It is especially common in obese individuals, and typically manifests for the first time after one has reached the age of 40.

Symptoms are often noticed by family members before the patient himself or herself discovers that a problem exists. For example, one of the most commonly experienced side effects is excessive snoring. Couples sometimes report that the partner who has the disorder frequently jolts awake at regular intervals during the night, even though the patient does not realize he or she is doing so.

Numerous devices can be utilized to ensure that those suffering from the disorder obtain a good night sleep. These include devices such as BPAP masks, which are designed to help prevent airway obstructions. However, it is essential to seek medical advice prior to utilizing equipment of this type to treat the disorder.

In some instances, surgery can be completed to trim the soft palate, and ultimately lessen the severity of one symptoms. Whether or not this is an option will depend on the kind of sleep apnea one suffers from, as well as the patient's general health. There are also basic remedies for the condition, such as weight loss and positioning oneself properly upon retiring.

Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible