Do you have problems with snoring, have trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep? These are some typical symptoms of sleep apnea.
In the US, an estimated 22 million people suffer from some form of sleep disorder, with 80% of the cases going without treatment.
Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to the development of cardiovascular ailments such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, or atrial fibrillation. Type 2 diabetes and depression are also connected with sleep apnea. People suffering from sleep apnea often feel drowsy and unrested, which can lead to accidents in workplaces or while driving. It is important to recognize this issue as the serious condition that it is and to seek treatment.
What are the types of sleep apnea?
There are three kinds of sleep apnea. They are:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea – This is caused by a blockage to the airway during sleep. Often the blockage is the result of the tongue and soft palate collapsing and closing the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea – In this case, the airway remains open, but the brain fails to signal the muscles that are responsible for breathing, causing breathing to stop at times.
Complex Sleep Apnea – This condition is a combination of the prior two. The sleeper can find themselves being partially awakened hundreds of times a night as the apnea events wake them so they can resume breathing. This results in a very poor night’s sleep.
What kind of treatment is available for sleep apnea?
Treatment for sleep disorders is available! This is typically done by way of sleep apnea appliances. Follow the link to read more about the sleep apnea appliances that are available.
