Sleep Apnea

Few people understand the serious nature associated with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition. Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and in both genders.

Sleep apnea is well documented to be associated with the following:

• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Excessive sleepiness leading to auto accidents
• Obesity
• Diabetes 

Due to this association early recognition and treatment is important.

There are two different types of sleep apnea:

• Central Apnea: Occurs when signals to breathe are not sent or conducted to the muscles responsible for breathing. Central Sleep Apnea is not as common as obstructive sleep apnea.
• Obstructive Apnea: This occurs when a blockage of the airway happens from the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the throat, resulting in little to no airflow into the lungs. This occurs even though efforts to breathe continue.

There are many factors leading to sleep apnea. Some of these are:

• Being overweight
• Physical abnormality in the nose, throat or other parts of the upper airway
• Family history
• Medication
• Alcohol
• Medical/health problems
• Age
• Altitude of residence