Sleep apnea is possibly the most commonly seen of all sleep disorders and affects in the region of 18,000,000 people in the United States. A sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, sleep apnea is also unquestionably the most dangerous of sleep disorders as it deprives the brain of critical oxygen and can sometimes prove to be fatal.
There are two very separate types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is essentially a neurological disorder where the breathing is broken as a result of signals sent out by the brain. Obstructive sleep apnea by contrast is in essence a mechanical problem in which the windpipe is obstructed either by too much tissue or by the unusual relaxation or collapse of the muscles around the windpipe. In both cases however the results are essentially identical with frequent interruptions to the breathing which deprive the brain of oxygen and place the sufferer at greater risk from things like high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.
Sadly, diagnosing sleep apnea can prove to be difficult as snoring, which is a common symptom and often results in sleep apnea being called the snoring disease, is also often seen as a symptom of various medical conditions. Snoring is frequently seen in cases of sleep apnea as the brain responds to a lack of oxygen by awakening the sufferer sufficiently to restart the breathing process and this generally produces snoring.
This recurrent awakening during the night also produces a very poor overall quality of sleep and it is not at all uncommon for sufferers to wake up in the morning feeling even more tired than when they got into bed. This also leads to a feeling of sheer exhaustion during the day and an overpowering need to sleep.
But, tiredness resulting from poor quality sleep is merely part of the picture and a range of other symptoms will normally be seen including headaches in the morning, forgetfulness and a difficulty in maintaining concentration.
Without treatment the growing tiredness resulting from sleep apnea can cause serious psychological difficulties beginning with tetchiness and progressing to depression with noticeable changes in behavior and mood.
Both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea can be treated and, provided the problem is diagnosed at an early stage, this treatment is often reasonably easy. For instance, a minor case of obstructive sleep apnea arising out of nasal congestion can usually be treated with little more than decongestants. Likewise, many cases of sleep apnea that are not especially serious can be treated using a mask that is worn during sleep and that delivers a constant pressure of air in order to keep the airway open. Lastly, in the most severe cases surgery may be required and can be extremely effective, although it may also produce various complications and has to be approached carefully.
Probably the most important thing to bear in mind about sleep apnea is that as it carries the potentially fatal risk of respiratory failure sufferers should not be tempted to take sleeping pills or to use other types of sleep enhancers without first seeking the approval of a doctor.
Natural sleep remedies certainly provide an effective complement to prescribed treatments and herbs that are intended to improve both the quality and duration of sleep may well assist in managing the excessive daytime sleepiness generally accompanying sleep apnea. Likewise, things like aromatherapy, chromatherapy and meditation and guided relaxation can help in reducing the insomnia and anxiety which come with sleep apnea.
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One Comment
Many people (myself included) have found that using the cpap is very difficult to get used to. But the surgery for sleep apnea can be a real gamble.