Although being one of the more common types of sleep disorder, people suffering from sleep apnea are usually totally unaware that they have the condition. This is because sleeping people are usually totally unaware of what is happening to them whilst they sleep, and as a result it is usually the long suffering bed partner or room mates that informs the person that they have a sleeping problem. This is a problem in itself as it can lead to a delay in the sufferer being correctly diagnosed. Although not normally an immediate problem, sleep apnea is still considered to be a serious condition. This is because of the life threatening problems associated with this disorder which are worrying and dangerous, like , lhigh blood pressure and heart irregularities. So what actually causes the problem? There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common type called obstructive sleep apnea, and as the name suggests involves a blocked airway. There are several specific reasons why the airways becomes obstructed or blocked during sleep, the more common reasons are:- - Whilst awake it is your throat muscles that are responsible for keeping your airway in your throat stiff and open thus allowing air to pass freely to the lungs. When sleeping, the same muscles relax and for people suffering with the disorder their muscles over-relax resulting in the airway becoming restricted or blocked. This in turn leads to the person struggling for breath and even stopping breathing. - The condition can arise if the person's tonsils and or tongue are naturally larger that normal so that they cause an obstruction to the opening of the windpipe. - Overweight people are more prone to this condition as there can be extra soft fatty tissues that lead to a thickening of their windpipe's wall, which narrows the interior of the airway opening making it harder for it to remain open. - Blocking of the airways can also be due in some cases to the natural shape of the person's head and neck. Depending on the construction of a persons head bony structures can restrict the airway and even the mouth. The second type is called central sleep apnea which is the result of the brain's delayed signals to the breathing muscles. This can be caused by:- - Age. As one gets older the brains ability to send signals that would keep the throat muscles firmer during sleep are sometimes limited causing the airways to become narrow and in some cases eventually collapse. - The result of an injury or a disease that involves the brain stem. This could be caused by a stroke or brain tumour amongst other things. It follows that if the airways are partly or fully blocked then insufficient air will flow into the lungs, especially whilst asleep. Often very loud snoring ensues and the body's oxygen level drops significantly along with an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide present in the lungs. It should be remembered that there could be serious risks when the oxygen levels drops to dangerous levels. When the carbon dioxide level increases the brain is triggered to disturb one's sleep. This is a natural reflex action which causes the muscles surrounding the airway to open the windpipe. This is often heralded by a sudden loud choking sound or snort as the person draws in a deep breath. It is also natural that frequent drops in ones body's oxygen level coupled with reduced or lack of sleep can trigger the release of natural stress hormones causing the heart rate to increase. When this happens there is an increased risk of a heart attack, hypertension, stroke and irregular heartbeats. The release of these stress hormones can also worsen a current heart condition with possible dire consequences. Therefore if sleep apnea is suspected, it is extremely important that medical advice is sought, so that treatment can be arranged in order that the serious problems that this disorder can cause can be avoided.
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