Causes Of Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   What exactly is scarring from a septoplasty that causes sleep apnea?
   I had septoplasty they think I have scarring that is now causing sleep apnea how is that possible my roof of my mouth vibrates and my snoring increased after the septoplasty. What happened? He is doing a sleep study but cant you tell some other way?
   Is this a sign of a bad surgeon? Move septum vibrates too and the roof of mouth only when I sleep? Im not fat it was the surgery

   • ANSWER:
     Sleep apnea is an obstruction somewhere in the airway. It can be caused by a number of things. Scar tissue is very likely cause. Sleep apnea surgery does not work for many people because the scarring is actually worse than the original problem

     My question to you is did you snore before your nose job. If so you probably had OSA previously. Many people do.

     Sleep apnea is found in people of all sizes and shapes. Kids get SA as well.

     When you have the sleep study, you can ask many questions to the sleep techs and the doctor at the follow up.

     Best wishes

2. QUESTION:
   what causes sleep apnea?
   can anxiety disorder be a cause of it or stress ....what causes sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     Truth is we don't really know, sometimes there is an obstruction in the airways, which can be treated with surgery to remove the part of the airway that is causing the problem, but in most cases there is no cause that can be found.

     That said, there are correlations to weight, the bigger you are the more likely you are to suffer with sleep apnea

3. QUESTION:
   What are the causes of sleep apnea?
   Im researching sleep apnea can someone please tell em what the causes are.
   Also please add the associated effects of sleep apnea

   • ANSWER:
     Blocked or narrowed airways in your nose, mouth, or throat can cause sleep apnea. Your airway can become blocked when your throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep.
     Sleep apnea can also occur if you have large tonsils or adenoids or a large uvula. During the day, when you are awake and standing up, these may not cause problems. But when you lie down at night, they can press down on your airway, narrowing it and causing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also occur if you have a problem with your jawbone.
     In children, the main cause of sleep apnea is large tonsils or adenoids.
     Sleep apnea is more likely to occur if you are overweight, use certain medicines or alcohol before bed, or sleep on your back.

4. QUESTION:
   what exactly causes sleep apnea?
   my friend sleeps most of the day that about 15 hours maybe a little less. but even when he is not in bed and just holding conversation he falls to sleep in med sentance. and one the rare occassion that he get up and move around he has no energy. can you give me some insight as to what may be going on with him

   • ANSWER:

5. QUESTION:
   The causes of Sleep Apnea?
   Could stress cause sleep apnea or sleep apnea like symptoms? I have been stressed because of school and work etc and have never experienced anything like I did last night. I would be asleep and then stop breathing a couple seconds wake up, go back to sleep and the same thing would happen all throughout the night. My chest is definitely feeling it this morning because it is really sore.
   I'm not even sure is one episode would even be considered "sleep apnea" What do you think? Any advice on what I should do. I mean I was reading about it and it said its mostly common amoung adults, i'm 19 years old. Could it just be stress? Should I have anythign to worry about?

   • ANSWER:

     http://www.medicinenet.com/sleep_apnea/article.htm

6. QUESTION:
   Where can I find authoritative proof that chronic sinusitis can cause sleep apnea?
   I have chronic sinusitis caused by a deviated septum resulting from damaged to my head and face sustained in an Army helicopter crash. Shortly after the crash, I developed the sinus infection and while I had most, if not all, of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea, it was not diagnosed until much later. I have had one operation on my nose which did not solve the problem and I ABSOLUTELY will not have another. The Veterans Administration has denied service connection for my sleep apnea and I need some authoritative source to support the assertions found on dozens of ENT and Apnea sites, which cite chronic sinusitis as a cause ( one several possibilities) for sleep apnea. Thanks, Wavie

   • ANSWER:
     Sorry, but you already found that assertions on dozens of ENT and Apnea sites,as you affirmed, so, why are you stil asking for that??
     Besides I think that the most part of web pages can't be as authoritative as a clinic (signed) certificate.

7. QUESTION:
   What causes Central sleep apnea?
   I have been diagnosed with both central and obstructive sleep apnea.

   My sleep studies both showed that I do got 0.00% delta sleep, which I understand is the deepest sleep, and allows the brain to do its regulation and restoration of necessary functions, such as sending growth hormone into the body.

   Is there any way to know why I am not making the effort to breathe at certain times in the night?

   I am about to go on C-PAP, but am not convinced that I will get delta sleep.

   Thank you for any helpful responses-

   • ANSWER:
     Hello Flam!

     Here is what I learned about central sleep apnea:

     A person with central apnea has issues with the respiratory center from the brain. The respiratory center controls the chest muscles to make breathing movements.

     When the respiratory center stops working during sleep, then your breathing stops, too. The brain does not respond to the changes of the respiratory gas levels from the blood (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

     In central apnea, you stop breathing in sleep for a period of time (at least 10 seconds), but there is no effort to breathe at all like in obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore snoring is not present in central apnea.

     But I understand you have a mixed sleep apnea, so you have obstructive apnea symptoms, too. Snoring is one of the symptoms.

     The cause of central apnea is unknown, but there are risk factors that can influence the development, such as:

     * age
     * gender
     * sleep state
     * thyroid disease
     * neurological or cardiological abnormalities

     I hope it helps!

8. QUESTION:
   What are the causes of Sleep apnea? And how can it be fixed?

   • ANSWER:
     There's sleep apnea (neurological) and there's obstructive sleep apnea (structural and/or functional). There are many causes and each has its own form of treatment depending on the cause or causes. You might wish to check the links below to get a comprehensive overview of causes, symptoms, risks and treatment options.

     http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea_Causes.html -

     http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm

     http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_serious_sleep_apnea_000065_5.htm

9. QUESTION:
   CAN Sleep apnea causes child to stop breathing?
   to the point where you have to go to the hospital & actually have a scare. One of my co workers called out bc her daughter stopped breathing & she's not even two yet.

   I

   • ANSWER:

10. QUESTION:
    What are some books I can read to research the mental issues caused after a person has sleep apnea?
    I am doing an assignment on the mental conditions caused after a person is diagnosed with sleep apnea. This means what type of issues they mentally encounter as a result of sleep apnea (such as depression, changes the must do in their environment etc.) And I would like some literature to read and information that Sleep Apnea causes that most would not be aware to know about.

    • ANSWER:
      there are tons of sites dedicated to sleep ( after all you spend like 1/3 of your life doing it.)

      jsut google " sleep book"
      or "sleeping disorder"

      you will have more than you can read .

11. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea cause headaches during the day?
    I have sleep apnea...or atleast I think I do. People tell me that when I sleep, I stop breathing for awhile and make noises like I am choking. Is this sleep apnea? And if it is, does it cause headaches throughout the day? Because I have headaches almost everyday and I can't think of what causes them.

    • ANSWER:
      You kind of have 2 questions here so to answer, yes, when you stop breathing when you're sleeping it is typically referred to as sleep apnea. The noise may be you 'catching' your breath when you do start breathing again. Also, since the brain/body is being deprived of oxygen AND you don't sleep near as well with apnea as you would without this condition, your headaches could be caused by either the lack of oxygen, or the severe lack of sleep, or a combination of both. You should see your doctor and have a sleep study done. Then you can take steps to resolve the problem.

12. QUESTION:
    Does sleep apnea causes mental problem?
    one of my relative was diagnosed of sleep apnea.I have seen changes in her behaviour.She behaves like a lunatic person.I don't feel like talking to her because she cannot control her emotions and I am scared of her outburst.She is 75 plus.Is it because of her age or has her brain really turned weird.Help me out

    • ANSWER:
      Instructions
      1
      Reduce your weight 5 to 10 lbs. Extra weight can obstruct your breathing while you sleep.

      2
      Avoid drugs and alcohol. Both slow your respiratory system, which can produce sleep apnea.

      3
      Avoid sleeping on your back. In this position, your tongue may fall back into your airways, creating an obstruction.

      4
      Try the flower remedy called vervain. Organic herb stores carry this in dry herb form and it can be made into a tea. The herb promotes relaxation and has a calming effect.

      5
      Using a few pillows to elevate your head so as to not lay flat. Try those pillows that are designed with a hole in the middle. The base of your head rests in the hole and this keeps your airways open.

      6
      Try 5-HTP. This is amino acid raises serotonin levels in the brain to relax you.

13. QUESTION:
    Using a CPAP cause sleep apnea if you may no longer need to use one?
    When I was first diagnosed with sleep apnea in the summer of 2005 I eighed 280lbs and smoked 1 1/2 packs of cigarretts a day. I had 117 episodes per hour. I was given a CPAP machine set at a pressure level of 10. Since then I have quit somking, over a year know, and now weigh 225lbs on my way to 200lbs. I am still using the CPAP though set at the same pressure. The problem is I am starting to feel tired again during the day. Not to the level it was before I started therapy, but I can feel a difference. I made an appointment with my doctor but the earliest she can see me is July. I was wondering if anyone knew if I am actually causing sleep apnea or something similar by using the machine?

    • ANSWER:
      In general, no if your CPAP machine is too high it will not cause you to have obstructive apneas. It could be causing you to have more arousals. And this is differently the reason that you feel more tired than normal. I don't understand why your doctor can not get you in to see her until July, I would call and request to talk with her. B/c it seems that you would need to have a CPAP Retitration to firgure the amount of cm you need. Congratulations on quiting smoking.

14. QUESTION:
    In a person with sleep apnea, what causes rises and falls in oxygen saturation of arterial blood during sleep?

    I am not obese and do not have sleep apnea. This is a biology question. If I made a graph of oxygen saturation against time of a person who had severe obstructive sleep apnea while they were sleeping, what might cause the saturation to go up and down over time?

    • ANSWER:
      When a patient has sleep events they temporarily stop breathing, which causes the desaturation of oxygen. Furthermore, the events do not happen all the time, events can happen only in specific sleep positions.

      generally they do not use Arterial Blood Gases during these overnight polysonomographs, they use a finger pulse oximeter.

      So the rise and fall is a direct result of when the patient has apneas and hypopneas

15. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea cause palpitations during the day?
    My heart skips beats all through the day, and my
    heart rate stays well above one hundred all of the
    time. I have been to a cardiologist, and he gave me
    a stress test and a ultrasound of my heart. Every
    thing came back normal. So, I would like to know
    what is causing this because it is driving me crazy!!
    I have a history of sleep apnea, but I am not sure if
    this is the problem.

    • ANSWER:
      Untreated sleep apnea can cause all sorts of problems, both physical and emotional. Your organs, such as your heart, simply do not get enough oxygen to function well. It may be that you also have anxiety, which can also cause palpitations. You really ought to be tested for sleep apnea in a sleep lab, and then get a CPAP machine to wear over your nose at night. You will feel better within a week or so, and the distressing symptoms will go away. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. My very best wishes to you.

16. QUESTION:
    Minocycline causing sleep apnea?
    Coincidentally after I started taking Minocycline about a week ago, I've noticed that i'll sometimes wake up in the middle of the night not being able to breathe. I'll jerk awake feeling like my throat has collapsed, then i'll breathe normally again and fall back asleep. This has never happened to me in my whole life. Could the drug be the cause? and will I have these episodes long term?

    • ANSWER:
      That's the first I've heard someone say. I've been taking minocycline for a year and a half and nothing like that has happened to me. The only symptoms I've gotten was severe dry skin for the first 1 or 2 weeks but other than that, nothing else. I really think you should tell your doctor your symptoms!

17. QUESTION:
    Dose sleep apnea causes hyperactivity and bad behavior ?
    My son has attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity and very bad anger issues. We live in Puerto Rico and the Doctors here are not very open to find out more, they just brand him and medicate him I don’t want to give him medication so I am hoping that maybe it is sleep apnea, he dose not sleep well. I told his pediatrician what I thought it was and if there was some test that can be done she just said to take the TV out of his room I did but he is still the same I would get up to get water at night and he was up watching T.V. I saw on 48 hrs. Hard evidence that sleep apnea may be the cause of his problem. He dose snore but not that much he talks very loud and stutters. He get out of the class room and when he is in the class room he dose not stay still. But the important part is that he is very, very smart.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea in children often cause hyperactivity and aggresivity. This is strange, because adults with sleep apnea are very tired during the day and they often fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as at work, behind the wheel, or at the cinema.

      Here are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea in children:

      - noisy breathing and mouth breathing

      - brief period of no breathing

      - restless sleep, including turning and tossing

      - sleeping in odd positions

      - irritability, frustration, hyperactivity and aggresivity

      - difficulty paying attention

      - daytime sleepiness and lethargy at obese children

      - poor performance at school, such as poor concentration, behavioral problems and lack of learning.

      - bed-wetting

      - morning headache

      - cardiovascular problems, such as abnormalities or arrhythmia.

      I hope it helps.

18. QUESTION:
    Does sleep apnea cause tiredness every day?
    I'm tired most of the time even with plenty of sleep. My doctor is going to test me for sleep apnea. I can go some days without being tired. But more days extremely tired.
    I have been going through this for more then a year.

    • ANSWER:
      Excessive tiredness in daytime is a symptom of sleep apnea. You should worry if you have this problem for a couple of weeks, even if you think you slept well at night. The nice thing is that you're going to take the sleep test. This is the best thing you can do. You will know exactly what is your problem, what is your cause of your tiredness.

19. QUESTION:
    Do jaw problems cause sleep apnea?
    I've had problems with my jaw for a long time now, and lately it's been getting worse. It pops very loudly every time I open. I think it is poorly aligned, and I was planning on getting it checked to see if I have TMJ.

    Lately, I've also been having problems with sleeping. In the middle of my sleep, I will bolt upright in bed, gasping for air, and trying to swallow. My heart will be racing, as I desperatly try to restart my breathing, which takes about 10-15 scary seconds. I was thinking that maybe this could be sleep apnea. But I do not have snoring problems, I am not overweight, do not have asthma, do not smoke, I'm female, and only 21 years old. I don't seem to be a very good candidate.

    But I've read that one way to fix sleep apnea is by getting a device to push the jaw slightly forward. Could my poor jaw alignment be causing me to have sleep amnea problems?

    • ANSWER:
      It definitely could. Especially if your tongue is dropping back in your throat while you are sleeping, which then cuts off the air and will cause you to feel that you are "choking" and can't get a breath. You will then waken in that panic mode.
      Since you are planning on going and getting your jaw checked out and your dentist will probably have you see a specialist and will recommend a night guard which will take time to make, you can do something in the meantime.
      Go to your local sports store and by a mouthguard. Yes, I know it sounds silly but do it. Just the good old plastic mouthguard. Wear it at night. It will take some time getting used to, but it will keep your jaw aligned and will keep your tongue from slipping.
      Good luck and take care!

20. QUESTION:
    My son have been diagnoised with obustructive sleep apanea, and Dr have asked us to take of the adnenoids?
    us to remove Tonsils and adenoids and also he is planning to do turbinates to create more room for breathing, my only question and concern is He never really saw the size of adenoids or tonsils, and is assuming those are causing sleep apnea(moderate).. I am worried what if surgery does not help, My son would not like CPAP. as he is just 3 years and 3 months.... Please advice

    • ANSWER:
      Second opinion? We removed my sons tonsils after repeated infections, very large tonsils, bad snoring, sometimes he would have a short breath while sleeping. I'm glad we did it though. He sleeps hell of a lot better, does not snore, results were imminent, he hasn't had an infection since! Anyways u could get a different opinion. We were reffered and the doc did look at his throat etc did tests.

21. QUESTION:
    Bradycardia and Sleep Apnea?
    My doctor said, I have an 'Acute' bradycardia. So, often, I have heart palpitations, and half the time feel like I'm not breathing. My mom is someone who snores very loudly, and she has all the things that would cause Sleep Apnea. But, she won't get checked for it.
    So, my question is, what exactly is bradycardia and sleep apnea?
    And, I don't know for sure, but sometimes Bradicardia kinda stuff happens during the middle of the night, so, more in less, I don't think I have Apnea, but should I be checked for it?
    And, is Sleep Apnea hereditary?
    My mom on the other hand, just because she snores REALLY loudly, does that make Apnea a risk factor?
    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Bradycardia and Sleep apnea are two different things. Bradycardia is slow heartbeat and Sleep Apnea is absence of breathing while sleeping. Regarding sleep apnea, it can be caused by several things, but usually it is the tissue in the back of the throat causing a blockage of your airway. When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax and tissue will start to block your airway passage. There are a few contributing factors, such as weight, and how you sleep. I hate to recommend going to the doctors which cost money, but unfortunately, the only way to diagnose sleep apnea is to get a sleep study done, and have the doctors evaluate what is causing the blockage. If you absolutely can't afford the doctors, try sleeping on your side. If the apnea stops, then you can place tennis balls on both side of you to prevent you from sleeping on your back. You can also try losing weight if you are overweight.

22. QUESTION:
    I have recently been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea...... I have questions...?
    The doctor said that I stop breathing 9x a hour and I woke up, not fully awake like opening my eyes, but my body woke it's self up and out of REM sleep 29 x a hour! I have asthma. I don't smoke, I drink every once in a while. No one in my family has sleep apnea. I'm healthy and the weirdest thing about about this is that I AM 22 years old female and I'm not overweight. NOw....... I was Curious if there could be another internal problem going on that could be causing my sleep apnea. Maybe i am in denial about my sleep apnea, but I don't feel that it's the only thing I have. Is there anything else that I could worry about or have that can cause Sleep Apnea? There is a lymph node or something swollen on my rib cage that has been worrying me for a while. I can't sleep on my left side because of it. It hurts if I lay on it for too long to the point where it hurts to breath. I just don't see how I can stop breathing 9x but wake up 24x per hour. Shouldn't it be equal? Why am I waking up even when I'm breathing....? Does anyone have any answers?

    • ANSWER:

23. QUESTION:
    will my sleep apnea cause my newborn baby to die from sids?
    I had a daughter 13yrs ago and she passed away because of S.I.D.S. and about 3-4yrs later I found out I had Sleep Apnea. I am wondering if I could have caused her to die because I didn't know I already had a sleep problem that causes me to stop breathing same as S.I.D.S. where the baby stops breathing. I am pregnant again and am frightened this could happen again to me. Help.
    Martha

    • ANSWER:
      YOUR sleep apnea didnt cause your baby girl to die of SIDS-maybe she had sleep apnea too-and that's why she passed away.

      Still SIDS causes arent very well known so it's hard to know what caused it. but it certainly wasnt because you had it.

      You can ask your doctor about whether or not apnea can be passed to your baby and maybe this time around you can sleep with your baby for the first few months so as to check for any breathing issues.
      A friend of mine woke up by one night because the phone rang-wrong number-anyways so she went to check on her baby girl-who usually wakes up at the minimal sound and found out she wasnt breathing! She performed CPR on her and was able to get her breathing. After a stint in the hospital they found out she had apnea! However it's under control now and that baby is anow a very happy preschooler. The moral of the story is there are things that can be done in the case your baby does end up having sleep apnea.

      Good Luck!

24. QUESTION:
    Can Binge Drinking cause Sleep Apnea?
    I've been binge drinking pretty much every day of the summer so far. The last few mornings(afternoons), I've woken up violently gasping for air. These "attacks" are then followed by the worst hangovers, and a feeling of "general" apnea that lasts a few hours..
    I'm gonna take a break from drinking, I'm sure this will help.. I was just wondering if there was anything I can do about the shallow breathing (apnea) I feel the morning after a night of heavy drinking?

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know if it can cause sleep apnea, but it does affect the quality of your sleep. It has many other harmful effects, so stop drinking so much every day!!

25. QUESTION:
    Does Phentermine cause Sleep Apnea?
    Okay, I have been taking Phentermine for about 4 months now. Well, for the past maybe 2 months I haven't been able to sleep. Like I wake up in the middle of the night (right as I am falling asleep) gasping for air. It happens like 3-6 times and then I pass out. It's getting to be scary to fall asleep. It's 4 am and I am afraid to sleep. It happens like 6 days out of the week. I am fine if I wait until day time to fall asleep, just night time is hard. My doc said I may have asthma so I got tested and he said he didn't find I had asthma, just horrible allergies, they gave me pills that I have to take each night- it did nothing. The only thing that helped were these weird pills that my aunt took when she had asthma. Like I didn't wake up at all. It dried out my throat and made my lungs enlarge, it was great. What should I do?

    • ANSWER:

26. QUESTION:
    How do temporal lobe seizures affect sleep apnea?
    Can temporal lobe seizures cause severe sleep apnea? Or is it more likely that seizures of this nature are a result of chronic uncontrolled sleep apnea? I have both diagnoses, but my chief complaint is excessive daytime fatigue that is not relieved by CPAP, UPPP surgery, septoplasty, or medications for seizures.

    • ANSWER:
      that's terrible for you=all I have is sleep apnea and am so tired all the time =I don't know how you can take it with the seizures on top of it

27. QUESTION:
    What are the affects of sleep apnea?
    Sometimes during the day, I suddenly feel disoriented, and a bit dizzy.
    A neighbor said it might be caused by sleep apnea, I'm not sure and before I go see the doctor, I want to find out a bit more about what sleep apnea actually is.

    • ANSWER:
      I would check with a doctor. You could be having rhythm problems with your heart.

      One of the main symptoms one with apnea will notice is that they are always too tired to do anything. They will have no energy, and will often drop off in a nap if they get still long enough.

      There are 2 types of sleep apnea-the most common (90%+)is called "obstructive apnea" and involves air passages becoming restricted during sleep. There is a lot of snoring. Usually the spouse of a person with obstructive apnea will know it. It is generally well treated with a "c-pap" machine. Positive air pressure is kept on the breathing passages to help keep them open. The success rate of treatment is generally very high.

      Then there is "central apnea" where the brain forgets to send out the signal to breathe. This is not common. Treatment usually is done with a "v-pap" machine (there are other types), and often medication (sleeping pill) is required. The "v-pap" varies in pressure from intake to outgo, and can even ventilate the patient when they stop breathing. Success is not nearly as good as with Obstructive apnea.
      Some people have varying degrees of both apneas called "complex apnea".

      Sleep studies are expensive, about grand. Some c-paps are just a few hundred dollars. But variable pressure auto ventilators costs about grand. If you have a decent insurance, then you may only spent a few hundred out of pocket.

      Sleep apnea is dangerous.

28. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea cause chest pain?
    I am 17 first of all and thank you for taking the time to read this. I have not been officially diagnosed but usually I am tossing and turning at night and have a lot of trouble breathing. Lately I've been having chest pains during the day and I remember when I asked my psychology teacher about sleep apnea he said it is bad for the heart so now I am worried. Can this be dangerous? Are the chest pains going to get worse? My sleep wasn't that bad last night but can I die if the pain increases over time?

    • ANSWER:
      Chest pain in teens is almost always muscular in origin and taking some motrin/ibuprofen regularly for about a week will probably make this go away. It is caused by repetitive movements of your arms - either physical exercise, gym class, something you do at work or lifting. Sleep apnea is a contributing factor to heart attacks, mostly in men and doesn't increase their risk until they are around age 50 so you are worrying about something that is not happening in a 17 year old. You could have a mild viral illness and taking an over the counter decongestant may clear up your breathing. And, if you don't get some exercise in each day in order to make your body tired, your sleep is often more restless. Too much caffeine in the evenings, bright lights such as too much computer time, taking naps - all contribute to a restless night. This is probably short term and will go away on it's own without any treatment.

29. QUESTION:
    Can Sleep Apnea cause me to always feel tired. And to doze off in middle of work at my desk. I'm 95 pounds?
    overweight. How much weight do I have to lose to cure my sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know about the amount of weight you need to take off, but tiredness is one symptom.

30. QUESTION:
    i am really scared to sleep cause of sleep apnea?
    i hear sleep apnea can be dangerous and i am a GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) sufferer, a heard it is a very small chance it can kill you during your sleep with it's symptoms of pausing breath, but i hear your brain wakes you up to alert you from danger and to get your breath back, is that true?, but i don't get that problem during the night waking up gasping for breath but i don't know if i snore loudly but i seem to be really worried about this and it is giving me lack of sleep thinking if i do have it or not

    • ANSWER:
      If you are really worried about it, talk to your doctor about having a sleep study done. From what you are saying though, it doesn't sound like you have sleep apnea. I have a friend who just had a sleep study done, he had snored EXTREMELY loudly for years and woke up gasping for breath several times each night. The study showed that he held his breath for up to 90 seconds at a time, and the oxygen levels to his brain were around 75%. But they just put him on a sleep machine which keeps oxygen flowing. They never said he was in danger of dying, it's just not good to go without oxygen. I realize that your disorder probably contributes to your anxiety about this, but I don't think you have sleep apnea. If you really would like some peace of mind, though, have a sleep study done, and they will tell you whether you hold your breath and have sleep apnea or not. If you do, they will help you treat it. In the meantime, though, don't be afraid to sleep, because you will not die.

31. QUESTION:
    Does sleep apnea cause seizures?
    At the age of 67 I had the first seizure. Now at age 73 the doctors have diagnosed sleep apnea. Since I've only had seizures during my sleep is it possible that I've had sleep apnea all along and was diagnosed improperly?

    • ANSWER:
      seizues usually are cause by abnoralities in the brain...
      sleep apnea is when you forget to breath while you are asleep..
      i honestly do not seeing these as being a cause as each other..
      if you have gained weight over the years, this could cause the apnea...

32. QUESTION:
    Does lack of sleep cause insomnia or sleep apnea?
    Please explain ans give me sources. If not, then what other things can lack of sleep cause?

    Thank you!!

    • ANSWER:
      lack of sleep cab cause fatigue that never goes away. if you,re sleep deprives six days a week; the 7th day sleep in will not solve the issue. being sleep deprived is a little like having a cold without the congestion. nothing positive about this unfortunate situation at all.

33. QUESTION:
    Is Sleep Apnea causing my trouble falling asleep?
    I'm 19 and i think i have sleep apnea. i know i hold my breath in my sleep, i don't do it every night but when i do it happens a lot over the course of one night. i haven't been officially diagnosed, my family cant afford it but I'm pretty sure i do.

    i seem to have trouble falling asleep no matter how tired i am even if i take something to help me go to sleep. but i could take cat naps all day long because I'm so sleepy all the time yet i cant fall asleep at night. ((and no its not the naps that keep me from falling asleep at bedtime, i didn't say i DID take the naps i said i COULD.))

    so my question is, does my body know something is wrong when i sleep deeply and trying to prevent me from going to sleep?

    • ANSWER:
      You know what you need to do... you need to consult with your doctor to determine if this is the case and determine what options you have.

34. QUESTION:
    Can sleep apnea cause seizures?
    I have a 6 yr. old daughter who recently started having seizures in her sleep. (or recently that I know of) The first time I called 911, the second time I drove her to the hospital myself. They were 8 days apart and both were in the middle of the night. We went in and had a cat scan, mri and eeg. No signifacant results, which is good news, but I can't live the rest of my life waking up every time she scratches an itch. She has always snored slightly and had to have her adnoids out at age 4 because of this. Does any one here have a sleep apnea and if so, have you ever had a seizure because of it?

    • ANSWER:
      well yes kinda my son 2 also has sleep apnea and as you know it is because they stop breathing(apnea) so if they stop for a longer amount of time then oxygen to the brain has stopped so they could sizer now remember I'm not a Dr this is just we were told by my sons Dr we also keep him on a pulse oxcemider at night so i know if he stops breathing you might ask for one good luck if you have any more ?s i will be happy to help

35. QUESTION:
    can lack of sleep cause you to drink more caffeine and smoke?
    My boyfriend needs to get a sleep apnea test cause he is so tired during the day. He also drinks a lot of caffeinated drinks and smokes. He has tried quitting and cutting down but he complains about being so tired during the day from not having either. So I was wondering could his lack of sleep be a cause of this?

    • ANSWER:
      That would be common sense. Anyone who doesn't sleep well needs something to help them stay awake during the day and both caffeine and smoking does this. He needs to have a sleep test done to see if he has sleep apnea and get that treated and once he is sleeping well, then try to wean down on the caffeine and stop smoking. And, he needs to remember that if he isn't willing to wear the breathing mask every night when he goes to sleep to help him sleep better, there is no purpose to have the sleep test done. Weight loss can improve any sleep apnea but it may not go away completely.

36. QUESTION:
    Can "Sleep Apnea" cause heavy dizzines during the day?
    I can understand one would feel not rested when they wake up. If one over a period of 2 minutes feels a need to take a deep breath and hold it in for a while when awake, can this be a sympton of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      You should visit a physician near you. Dizziness during the day is not directly caused by sleep apnea but can be related if you are suffering from fatigue because of not sleeping properly. There can be many other reasons as well.

      Good Health To You!

37. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea/sleep paralysis/narcalepsy link?
    i am going to be getting a sleep and nap study in mid january to test for narcalepsy and sleep apnea. the narcalepsy symptoms i have are REM Disorders (vivid dreams in 10 minute naps) since i can remember, always tired and lethargic since elementary school, always wanting to take naps and sleep late (ask my teachers and work) and started having sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations 3 years ago. i am 28 years old by the way.

    i know that sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. i'm not sure i have sleep apnea but i snore tremendously and my husband notices i stop breathing sometimes, but not for very long. My question is, can lack of sleep cause narcalepsy and sleep paralysis to worsen or appear? i know it's neurological but If one has sleep apnea for years and years, can this lead to sleep paralysis and narcalepsy symptoms? I can't find anything to answer this question and would like to be as informed as possible before seeing my sleep doctor again. Thank you
    to rosie
    u didn't answer my question
    i'm pretty sure i have sleep apnea
    but if i have it, can it lead to slight symptoms of narcalepsy and full blown sleep paralysis like i have been experiencing my whole life??

    • ANSWER:
      Narcolepsy, sleep paralysis and sleep apnea are all sleep disorders. Both narcolepsy( sleeping sickness as it's called and sleep apnea can cause EDS( excessive daytime sleepiness). EDS is the major symptom of both.

      Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain's inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. At various times throughout the day, PEOPLE WITH NARCOLEPSY EXPERIENCE FLEETING URGES TO SLEEP. If the urge becomes overwhelming, patients fall asleep for periods lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. In rare cases, some people may remain asleep for an hour or longer.

      Narcoleptic sleep episodes can occur at any time, and thus frequently prove profoundly disabling. People may involuntarily fall asleep while at work or at school, when having a conversation, playing a game, eating a meal, or, most dangerously, when driving an automobile or operating other types of potentially hazardous machinery. In addition to daytime sleepiness, three other major symptoms frequently characterize narcolepsy: cataplexy, or the sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone; vivid hallucinations during sleep onset or upon awakening; and brief episodes of TOTAL PARALYSIS AT THE BEGINNING OR END OF SLEEP. This SLEEP PARALYSIS IS THE INABILITY TO MOVE.-which is quite normal at the beginning or End of sleep.

      I think from the symptoms you described; You might be suffering from the disorder of sleep apnea.

      Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can be very serious. In sleep apnea, your breathing stops or gets very shallow while you are sleeping.

      Sleep apnea happens when enough air cannot move into your lungs while you are sleeping. When you are awake, and normally during sleep, your throat muscles keep your throat open and air flows into your lungs.

      The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. During sleep, enough air cannot flow into your lungs through your mouth and nose even though you try to breathe

      In obstructive sleep apnea,(OSA) however, the throat briefly collapses, causing pauses in your breathing. Each pause in breathing typically lasts 10 to 20 seconds or more. These pauses can occur 20 to 30 times or more an hour.
      With pauses in breathing, the oxygen level in your blood may drop. Normal breaths then start again with a loud snort or choking sound.

      With the throat frequently fully or partly blocked during sleep, enough air cannot flow into your lungs, even though your efforts to breathe continue. Your breathing may become hard and noisy and may even stop for short periods of time (apneas).

      When your sleep is upset throughout the night, you can be very sleepy during the day. With sleep apnea, your sleep is not restful because:

      These brief episodes of increased airway resistance (and breathing pauses) occur many times.
      You may have many brief drops in the oxygen levels in your blood.

      You move out of deep sleep and into light sleep several times during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality.

      People with sleep apnea often have loud snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Some people with sleep apnea don’t know they snore.

      This happens if the following conditions occur:

      =Your throat muscles and tongue relax more than is normal.
      =Your tonsils and adenoids are large.
      =You are overweight. The extra soft tissue in your throat makes it harder to keep the throat area open.
      =The shape of your head and neck (bony structure) results in somewhat smaller airway size in the mouth and throat area.

      Sleep apnea happens more often in people who are overweight, but even thin people can have it.
      Most people don’t know they have sleep apnea. They don’t know that they are having PROBLEMS BREATHING WHILE SLEEPING.

      A family member and/or bed partner may notice the signs of sleep apnea first. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the chance of having high blood pressure and even a heart attack or stroke. Untreated sleep apnea can also increase the risk of diabetes and the risk for work-related accidents and driving accidents

      Adults who are most likely to have sleep apnea:

      Snore loudly.
      Are overweight.
      Have high blood pressure.
      Have a decreased size of the airways in their nose, throat, or mouth. This can be caused by the shape of these structures or by medical conditions causing congestion in these areas, such as hay fever or other allergies.
      Have a family history of sleep apnea

      Treatment

      For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If these measures don't improve your signs and symptoms or if your apnea is moderate to severe, a number of other treatments are available. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

      Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea may include:

      Therapies

      Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP
      Oral appliances

      Surgery or other procedures

      Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

      Maxillomandibular advancement

      Tracheostomy

      Removing tissues in the back of your throat with a laser (laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty) or with radiofrequency energy (radiofrequency ablation) are procedures that doctors sometimes use to treat snoring. However, these procedures aren't recommended for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

      Other types of surgery may help reduce snoring and sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging air passages:

      Nasal surgery to remove polyps or straighten a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated nasal septum)
      Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids

      So the answer to your question is no! Many yrs of sleep apnea will NOT lead to sleep paralysis which is normal.
      Sleep paralysis is a condition characterized by temporary paralysis of the body shortly after waking up or, less often, shortly before falling asleep . Physiologically, it is closely related to the normal paralysis that occurs during REM sleep,
      Narcolepsy. is the urge to go to sleep. One of the symptoms of Narcolepsy is episodes of sleep paralysis While sleep apnea is more of a breathing problem while asleep.

38. QUESTION:
    Are most cases of sleep apnea caused by being overweight?

    • ANSWER:
      Some are and some aren't but if you're overweight loosing weight always helps.
      And if overweight is causing it obviously loosing weight will fix the problem.

39. QUESTION:
    Could lactose intolerance be a contributing cause to sleep apnea?
    I'm a black female, 47, recently gained a lot of weight due to some medications I'm on, but I'm not really obese. A year ago, I realized I'd become lactose intolerant. It got so bad a few months ago, I took dairy out of my diet completely unless I took Lactaid. I got lax recently and noted something: during the two recent periods where I allowed myself a lot of dairy without the supplement, I had something like sleep apnea. When falling asleep, I would snort, make odd noise that would cause me to wake up, and my throat often felt mucousy. Normally, I don't have this. Someone (not a doctor) once told me a long time ago that many people of African descent are lactose intolerant, and that it causes excess mucous. Is that likely what's going on with me? I seem to breathe and sleep better when I leave off the dairy.
    I guess the most salient point here is that I never had anything resembling sleep apnea in the past, nor do I have those symptoms now unless I do the dairy.

    • ANSWER:
      Article: Sleep apnea
      Sleep apnea (alternatively sleep apnoea) is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, last 10 seconds or more and occur repeatedly throughout the night. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of the disturbances in their sleep. Nearly 40 percent of the population has some sleep apnea, and half of those cases are serious enough to warrent treatment.[1]

      http://goldbamboo.com/topic-t2968-a1-6Sleep_Apnea.html

      lactose intolerance
      Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the major sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is caused by a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into two simpler forms of sugar called glucose and galactose, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Not all people deficient in lactase have the symptoms commonly associated with lactose intolerance, but those who do are said to have lactose intolerance.

      http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/lactoseintolerance/

40. QUESTION:
    what kind of problems come with sleep apnea?
    can sleep apnea cause bleeding in the brain can it cause big problems

    • ANSWER:
      Untreated sleep apnea is linked with high blood pressure, inability to loose weight, daytime fatigue, car accidents, morning headaches, and their are links to strokes.

      Sleep apnea is easily treated with cpap.

41. QUESTION:
    I'm a sleep tech, and I know what this is, but I want to ask everyone if they or someone they know uses a CPAP
    How many of you use, or know someone who uses a CPAP machine at night to help them breathe and not to snore?

    I am very curious about this, since CPAPs save lives all over the world. I think we all need more education on CPAP machines, and we need to spread the word that if people snore or stop breathing at night, they should have a sleep study done.

    Sleep Apnea causes high blood pressure, can cause strokes and heart attacks. It sometimes makes people have heartburn at night, and makes them sleepy during the day. People can become forgetful or irritated. This is just a short list of all the damage that having untreated sleep apnea can cause.

    • ANSWER:
      I know many, in my personal life, who use C-paps or Bipaps. I most likely know more because I am an RT. I just found out that my Sunday school leader uses one today. We talked about it and different masks for 10 or 15 minutes.

42. QUESTION:
    Sinus trouble during sleep, need help?
    My sinuses sort of swell up, or stuff up during sleep, causing apnea and mouth breathing. I can't remember when the last decent night sleep took place. It's killing me, literally. I've heard of flonaise, etc, but what works best for opening the sinuses up? Should I try claritin? what are the long term side affects of flonaise? Usually, depending on what side I'm on, one sinus completely closes off, the other only partially opened. I do use nasal strips and they help, just not enough. Any tips, remedies, or medications that have worked for you, would be greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      Buy a Niti Cup ( i pretty sure thats what its called) it looks like a mini teapot but the spout can fi in your nose. Mix warm water with salt but not hot or too salty. Then lean over a sink and tilt your head sideways. Place the spout into the above nostrol then pour the liquid into your nose, it should come out the other nostrol. Repeat with other nostrol. If you feel like your drowning stop and lightly blow the water out of your nose, then try again while taking short full breaths through your mouth. Afterwards blow your nose.

      This method i saw on Oprah. It works by cleaning out the mucus in the nostrol passages and in the sinus areas.

      Good Luck!

43. QUESTION:
    Can Sleep Apnea be caused because of stress?
    Could sleep Apnea be caused because of stress?

    • ANSWER:
      Well not stress directly however when you become stressed your sleeping patterns may change. That can contribute to sleep apnea. Causes of apnea are really unclear to determine what causes it. Obesity, drugs, smoking, hypothyroidism etc. are some factors.

44. QUESTION:
    What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    Is it associated with breathlessness and snoring while sleeping? What are the other symptoms? What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea? What are the remedies easily available? Is the lack of adequate sleep/rest a factor?

    • ANSWER:
      Obstructive sleep apnea is when the muscles in the throat relax and close during your sleep, it interrupts your breathing in interrupts your sleep. Load snoring, stopped breathing gasping in your sleep are signs. Waking up with headaches, tired through the day and trouble staying awake. The only real home remedy for it is if you are overweight to lose weight, if you are a smoker to quit smoking. But these are not sure ways of curring it. To find out if you are suffering from sleep apnea talk to you Dr. about your symptoms and or go to a respiratory specialist and the can schedule a sleep study. The treatment for sleep apnea is either a cpap or a bi-pap machine to assist you will sleeping. What they do is keep air pressure in your throat will you sleep to keep it from closing up and interfering with your sleep. There is also a surgery which is very painful and not guaranteed to work.

      It is a serious condition can lead to high blood pressure and even an enlarged heart. I highly advise seeking professional help if you suspect you have it

45. QUESTION:
    My good friend has Diabetes 1, Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg, lots of stress & high cholesterol. Any hope for him?
    I have a good friend who suffers from type 1 Diabetes (not caused from being overweight), Restless Leg (he thinks) (also thinks this causes severe) Sleep Apnea & high cholesterol with lots of stress in his life.

    He is 33 yrs old, thin, doesn't smoke, works wayyy to much so is very stressed, doesn't do cardio, and doesn't sleep enough.

    I'm so worried about him and pray for him all the time that he will get better. He isn't going to the doctor for his sleep disorders or restless leg but I can't make him.

    Does anyone else suffer from all of these things? Do you know anyone who does or has? Is there anything you have done that has helped you get better in any or all of the above problems? All I can think to do is pray and encourage him to do more exersize (which doesn't work) and encourage him to go to a sleep specialist (which he won't do.)

    I really care for him but don't know how to help! Thanks for listening and for any input you may have.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes there is always hope most of the time we can’t help people in bad shape until there in there on death row because the doctors will blame us is anything happens while there treating them but once they say there’s nothing we can do for him or her call the family to say good bye then we come in and save them. Aloe Vera juice has been found to aid in the management of Diabetes and high cholesterol and will help with digestion too. Did you notice how I had to word that. I cannot tell much over the internet as it is not approved by the FDA because it is a natural product. if you would like to know more you would have to do a search on aloe its quiet amazing remember that I was the one that turned you on to this solution please. This is a natural products and not a drug so it’s not approved by the FDA to cure or treat any disease, Aloe Vera studies have been conducted in many countries worldwide. It has been demonstrated to contain antioxidant agents to combat free radicals, be effective for metabolic detoxification, intestinal cleansing, increasing cellular metabolism and direct stimulation of immune system cells for the past 30 years forever living products has been the largest grower processor and distributor of ale vera products in the world. You will have to do a little home work to find out just how merciless what I’m offering you is. We also have an aloe vera juice called Forever Freedom with MSM & glucosamine for older people. When you’re ready please go to this site and call us

46. QUESTION:
    I need to know about sleep apnea?
    does sleep apnea cause strokes or heartattacks in time if not taken care of??

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea does not directly cause strokes or heart attacks, but it creates a lack of oxygen to your vital organs over a long period of time. This can create buildup in your arteries, leading to strokes and heart attacks.

      However, there are many more complications to untreated sleep apnea, more correctly termed obsctructive sleep apnea (OSA) if related to a restriction in the upper airway. GERD, ED, depression, and many other side effects have been linked to this disorder.

      A sleep study is the first action to take when this is suspected, so that the magnitude of the OSA can be determined. A CPAP is the gold standard, although many people either can't or choose not to wear one after it has been prescribed. Alternately, if the OSA is mild to moderate, a dental appliance can be used that opens the airway.

      If you would like to expand the reasons for your question, feel fee to ask.

47. QUESTION:
    Good friend with Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Restless Leg & Sleep Apnea... Wow...?
    I have a good friend who suffers from type 1 (not caused from being overweight) Diabetes, Restless Leg (he thinks) and (also thinks this causes severe) Sleep Apnea.

    My friend is 33 yrs old, thin, doesn't smoke, works wayyy to much, doesn't do cardio, and doesn't sleep enough.

    I'm so worried about him and pray for him all the time that he will get better. He isn't going to the doctor for his sleep disorders or restless leg but I can't make him.

    Does anyone else suffer from all of these things? Do you know anyone who does or has? Is there anything you have done that has helped you get better in any or all of the above problems? All I can think to do is pray and encourage him to do more exersize (which doesn't work) and encourage him to go to a sleep specialist (which he won't do.)

    I really care for him but don't know how to help! Thanks for listening and for any input you may have. Much appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      Type 1 diabetes unfortunately is worse than type 2... he will need his insuline...he better go and see a doctor...Diabetes can cause all kinds of health problems...if you care about him make him see reason to go to a doctor...

      with type 2 he could just change his diet and that might help...

      I am sure you care and he must know you have his good health at heart... I hope he does go...if not for himself then because he believes in you...I think it is necessary he sees a doctor...xxx if he got high cholesterol he needs most likely medication...

      Hey.. a hypochondriac is a person always happy to run to the doctor even if he or she is not ill... Imaginary illness.. how does this tie up with this case, he does not even want to see a doctor when he has diabetes and high cholesterol.. so he is the opposite of a hypochondriac... some guys indeed.. that goes for my pal who wrote the remark..

      xx
      Good luck xx

48. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea: Can an ahi of 15 cause depression?
    I have very mild sleep apnea with an ahi of 15. Can this cause profound mood problems? I have very severe depression and anger problems and I'm hoping that it's caused by my sleep apnea.
    By the way, I have been trying to sleep every night with a CPAP machine for the past year and I've never slept with it on for more than a couple of hours.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea can cause depression but can also respond very quickly to treatment. Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea and depression often overlap (tiredness, poor motivation, irritability, problems concentrating, and losing pleasure in daily life). Do you use a CPAP machine at night when you sleep? With an AHI of 15 you are on the border of mild/moderate sleep apnea.

      Does your CPAP machine have C-Flex? A lot of people find it easier to sleep when they do. With c-flex the pressure is reduced at the beginning of exhalation and returns to therapeutic pressure just before inhalation.

49. QUESTION:
    does sleep apnea have anything to do with being a denture wearer?
    can my dentures be the cause of my sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      When you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing while sleeping. Your dentures have the purpose to replace missing teeth, and have nothing to do with your upper airway obstruction.

      I know that people with dentures are not used to having something in their mouth that is not food, and so their glands will produce more saliva and to secrete it at a higher rate. But I think this will not obstruct your airways in sleep.

      If you have sleep apnea, then the cause is something else.

50. QUESTION:
    I read a report that sleep Apnea can cause diabetes. Anyone else know of any sites which say the same?

    Sleep apnea is not a psycholigical disease its a repiratory disease. It can cause insulin resistance without obesity.

    • ANSWER:
      Check out WebMD.com or RevolutionHealth.com.