Sleep Apnea
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that is frequently accompanied by loud snoring. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing frequently during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. Loss of oxygen is never a good thing if left untreated.
Sleep apnea can be caused by frequent, partial or complete collapse of the breathing passageway during sleep. In some people apnea occurs when the tongue muscle and soft tissues near the back of the throat relax and sag. The airway becomes blocked, making breathing difficult and noisy, sometimes stopping it altogether.
From farmers to financial planners to teachers and mothers, sleep disorders can affect all of us. The worst thing you can do, if you know somebody with this problem, is nothing. It is okay to have sleep apnea, but it is not okay if left untreated.
Effects of sleep apnea
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
- Overweight, but not always
- Dry mouth upon awakening
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heartburn
- Reduced libido
- Insomnia
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Restless sleep
- Progressive weight gain
Treat or not to treat?
Sleep apnea is sometimes referred to as the slow death due to the risks of heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, loss of productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. Over time these problems only get worse.