Sleep apnea can be a dangerous affliction if it is not treated with the proper respect. This kind of disorder involves daytime sleepiness, choking or gasping while sleeping and periods during the night of not breathing 5 times an hour or more. The most common symptom of this problem is snoring, which can interrupt not just one persons sleep but others, as well. When this disorder interrupts the normal breathing pattern, it keeps the sufferer in a constant state of light sleep, never reaching the deep sleep we are all intended to get every night.
When there is trouble diagnosing the disorder because the problems occur while one is asleep, it is recommended that a partner stand watch at night, looking for symptoms and abnormalities in sleep and breathing patterns. These interruptions and abrupt waking may go unnoticed by the actual sufferer if they do not wake to a point of understanding. A video or audio recording can be used if there is no one that can help out at night.
Snoring is the most common sign and to be able to tell a difference between regular snoring and that which is caused by the disorder, it may be necessary to look for accompanying symptoms. The top recognizable symptom would be daytime sleepiness. This would occur every day and would be present whether the person had a full nights sleep or not. A full nights sleep does not mean a full nights rest.
This disorder affects people of all ages, men or women. Some people at high risk for getting sleep apnea are smokers, elderly people and those who are overweight. People with severe allergy problems can sometimes be prone to getting sleep apnea.
Changes in lifestyle may be required to help eliminate sleep apnea. Toss out the cigarettes, eliminate big meals and lots of caffeine before bedtime and avoid sleeping pills or sedatives because they relax throat muscles and can contribute to the abnormal breathing patterns.
One way to prevent the problems upon going to bed is to have the head elevated. This along with any kind of breathing strips for the nose to keep the airways open and sleeping on ones side can sometimes alleviate the problems.
If sleep apnea is judged to be moderate to severe and all the self-help methods have been exhausted, a sleep clinic can be the next step. There are several methods of treatment that are used when it has become too severe for regular methods. The CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure machines are what is generally used first. These machines used to be uncomfortable, big and bulky. Today's technology has allowed for the size to be reduced to that of a tissue box and they are much lighter and quieter than before.
The CPAP machines make sure breathing is normal throughout the night. A regular sleeping pattern is required to eliminate sleep apnea. This machine helps to bring about this goal. Surgery can be considered if the problems seem that severe. However, this method can cause its own set of problems and should be a last resort when treating this disorder.