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Fatal Slumber: What is Sleep Apnea?
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Do you snore while
you are sleeping? Do you wake up during the
night sometimes with the sensation of choking or
grasping for breath? Do you wake up with
headaches and have trouble staying awake during
the day?
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If you answered yes
to the questions above, chances are you may
already be under a threat of a serious,
potentially life-threatening sleeping disorder
called sleep apnea.
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Sleep apnea is a
breathing disorder characterized by brief
interruptions of breathing during sleep. It
comes from the Greek word, apnea, meaning
“want of breathe.”
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Types of sleep apnea
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There are two types of sleep apnea: central and
obstructive. Central sleep apnea, which is less
common, occurs when the brain fails to send the
appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to
initiate respirations, usually with decreases in
blood oxygen saturation. Obstructive sleep apnea
is far more common and occurs when air cannot
flow into or out of the person's nose or mouth
usually accompanied by a reduction in blood
oxygen saturation, and followed by an awakening
to breathe.
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According to the National Institute of Health,
sleep apnea affects more than 18 million
Americans. It occurs in all age groups and both
sexes but is more common to men over the age of
forty. Sleep apnea seems to run in some
families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.
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Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea
is important because it may be associated with
memory problems, weight gain, impotency,
irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart
attack, and stroke.
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Sleep apnea generally has the following
symptoms:
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Loud, frequent snoring. This is probably the
best and most obvious indicator. Though not
everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
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Cessation of breathing during sleep.
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Excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue.
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Unrefreshing sleep with feelings of grogginess,
dullness, morning headaches and severe dryness
of mouth.
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Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and
treated. Several treatment options exist, such
as behavioral therapy, physical or mechanical
therapy and surgery. For many sleep apnea
patients, their spouses are the first ones to
suspect that something is wrong, usually from
their heavy snoring and apparent struggle to
breathe. Friends or coworkers of the sleep apnea
victim may notice that the individual falls
asleep during the day at inappropriate times,
such as while driving a car, working or talking.
The patient often does not know he or she has a
problem. It is important that the person see a
doctor for further evaluation.
