What is sleep apnea?
Apnea (AP-nee-uh) is a Greek word that literally means "without breath." There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep disorder. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually from the soft tissue in the rear of the throat which collapses and closes while sleeping. Each time a person experiences an apnea event, the brain briefly wakes that person to help him/her resume breathing. Because of this, sleep is of poor quality and never for an extended period of time.
Central and Mixed Sleep Apnea
With central sleep apnea, there is no blockage. Instead this form of apnea is caused by the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea is simply a combination of the previous two types.
Possible Side Effects
If left undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea can trigger serious side effects including, but not limited to, the following:
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Weight Gain
- Memory Loss
- Inability to Concentrate
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Headaches
- Sleep Deprivation
How is it treated?
The good news is that you're not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 12 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep apnea. Unfortunately, most of these people will remain undiagnosed and untreated. If you suspect you may be experiencing sleep apnea of any form, the best course of action is to contact your doctor and/or a local sleep study clinic. At the clinic special devices will record your sleep patterns, breathing patterns, muscle activity, heart rate, oxygen levels, and other bodily functions.
