Sleep apnea syndrome is a severe condition that can prove to be deadly. Those diagnosed with apnea often drift off to sleep normally, however, once sleeping their capacity to breath normally becomes blocked. This blockage is triggered when the muscles inside the throat relax and obstruct the airway. When this occurs, the body sends a signal to the brain that breathing has stopped, the person then wakes up and starts breathing again.
This periodic breathing can take place repeatedly during sleep time and can occur as often as fifty times per hour. These episodes can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and sometimes much longer. People suffering from this disorder are generally unaware anything is happening to them. Further, they are unable to understand why they usually feel so worn out throughout their day.
Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is the most common form of of this disorder affecting about 20% of American adults. If the condition is left untreated, it can prove fatal. Furthermore, sleep apnea syndrome is an underlying cause of heart disease, stroke and hypertension. Further, those suffering from OSA, also suffer from central sleep apnea, another form of apnea.
There are several approaches to remedy sleep apnea syndrome, both surgical and non-invasive. In this article, non-invasive forms of treatments will be covered.
The most common form of therapy for those struggling with moderate to severe apnea is positive airway pressure or PAP. PAP is a non-invasive form of treatment where a machine delivers a consistent flow of air through a mask worn while sleeping. Air pressure is determined by a sleep technician during an overnight sleep study.
Certain types of dental devices are used to treat mild to moderate apnea. The most common type being mandibular, or lower jaw, devices. These devices attach to the upper jaw, drawing the lower jaw and lower part of the tongue forward, forcing the airway to remain open.
Medications have been shown to be ineffective in treating apnea, though some patients have been prescribed antidepressants and Modafinil.
Supplemental oxygen is commonly used in addition to a PAP machine. But oxygen alone is unable to stop the collapse of the air passage during sleep. Though oxygen can stop the drop in the amount blood oxygen that occurs when the air passage collapses.
While the treatments mentioned in this article aren't for everybody, people with this disorder generally find that their quality of life can improve with the proper treatment and a few lifestyle changes. If you have been diagnosed with moderate to severe apnea and know you are on the heavy side, try losing some weight. Individuals who have been overweight and lost a minimum of twenty to twenty-five pounds of excess weight, saw a reasonable improvement in respiratory problems associated with sleep apnea syndrome.
Sleep ApneaDan suffers from sleep apnea syndrome. In response, he has researched his ailment so he can share the information with others. For tips and information on managing sleep apnea syndrome, visit Dan's website at: http://sleepapneasyndrometips.com/.