Sleep Apnea - Finding Answers

What is sleep apnea?
The ideal adult should sleep 8 hours of solid sleep a night. However some people suffer from significant sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, episodes of disturbed or interrupted breathing during sleeping.

This can occur when a person stops breathing frequently while asleep, for a few seconds or more than a minute up to 30 times in an hour, due to the throat tissue collapsing and the airways becoming blocked.

It can also occur because the brain is not sending consistent messages to the body to breathe.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Symptoms include loud snoring, choking during sleep, morning headaches, poor judgment, memory impairment, personality changes, impaired concentration, mood disturbances, impotence, daytime fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness.

How do I know I have sleep apnea?
The best way is to partake in a sleep test. While asleep you will be monitored by a polysomnogram which will record eye movement, breathing, heart rate, oxygen in the blood and brain activity.

What can I do about it?
To lower your chances of sleep apnea keep your weight under control, quit smoking, lower your level of alcohol and medications (such as sleeping pills). If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea there are alternative methods you can try, the most common two:
A nasal mask which pumps air at a constant pressure. The inbuilt humidifier prevents drying up of the nasal passage.
A sleep apnea pillow designed to support the neck, preventing you from rolling onto your backs. It cradles the head, elongates the neck and keeps the tongue from blocking the airway.

Sleep Apnea: Finding answers

If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, then this is exactly what you need. Understanding the cause of sleeping disorders and finding out what treatment options are available is the first step to getting a better night's sleep...