Stop My Snores

Sleep apnea is perhaps the commonest sleep disorder and affects almost 18,000,000 Americans. A sleeping disorder that is characterized by interrupted breathing while sleeping, it is also undoubtedly the most dangerous of all sleeping disorders because it starves the brain of vital oxygen and can occasionally prove to be fatal.

There are two completely distinct types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is in effect a neurological condition where breathing is interrupted as a result of signals sent out by the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea by contrast is in essence a mechanical problem where the windpipe is blocked either by too much tissue or as a result of the unusual collapse or relaxation of the muscles around the windpipe. In both cases however the results are basically identical with numerous interruptions to normal breathing which starve the brain of oxygen and place the sufferer at greater risk from such things as hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Unluckily, diagnosing sleep apnea can prove to be difficult as snoring, which is a common symptom and frequently results in sleep apnea being referred to as the snoring disease, is also commonly seen as a symptom of numerous medical problems. Snoring is certainly generally present with sleep apnea as the brain responds to a drop in oxygen by waking the sufferer enough to restart the breathing process and this often leads to snoring.

This repeated awakening during the night also produces a very poor quality of sleep and it is not at all uncommon for sleep apnea sufferers to get up in the morning feeling more tired than when they went to bed. This also results in feelings of sheer exhaustion during the day and a tremendous wish to sleep.

But, tiredness resulting from poor quality sleep is only part of the problem and a range of other symptoms will almost certainly be seen including morning headaches, a lack of memory and a difficulty in concentrating.

Without treatment the increasing exhaustion from sleep apnea can produce serious psychological problems beginning with simple touchiness and progressing to depression with noticeable changes in both behavior and mood.

Both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea are treatable and, as long as the problem is diagnosed early enough, this treatment is often quite easy. For example, a mild case of obstructive sleep apnea arising out of nasal congestion can normally be treated with nothing more than decongestants. Likewise, many cases of sleep apnea which are not particularly serious may be treated using a mask which is worn while sleeping and that provides air at a constant pressure to keep the airway open. Finally, in the most serious cases of sleep apnea surgery may be required and can be very effective, though it could also result in various complications and has to be approached with care.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember with sleep apnea is that as it carries with it the potentially fatal risk of respiratory failure sufferers should not be tempted to take sleeping pills or to use other forms of sleep enhancers without the approval of a doctor.

Natural sleep remedies without question provide an effective complement to medically prescribed treatments and herbs that are designed to improve the duration and quality of sleep may well be of assistance in the management of the excessive daytime sleepiness usually accompanying sleep apnea. Also, things like aromatherapy, chromatherapy and guided relaxation and meditation can help in reducing the insomnia and anxiety which accompany sleep apnea.