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Define Sleep Apnea - Sleep Apnea Brookings - Sleep Disorders - Can't Sleep - Insomnia - Acute Sleep Apnea - Get Help In Brookings To Sleep |
Understanding Sleep Apnea - Sleeping Disorders for Brookings
Millions of Americans have a sleep disorder that makes them sleepy during the day and can lead to serious health problems. In fact, 1 out of 3 amercians suffer from sleep apnea. This common sleeping disorder causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep and may cause extreme daytime sleepiness. These pauses usually last approximately 10 seconds and can occur up to several hundred times a night, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
One of the obvious signs of sleep apnea is loud snoring because of the obstruction of airways. Sometimes sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to send the body proper breathing signals, a condition called central sleep apnea. But in most cases, it happens when tissue in the back of the throat restricts or blocks airflow. This is called obstructive sleep apnea. It's possible to be diagnosed with both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. For example, the tongue and throat muscles can relax so much that they get in the way of breathing. Muscles of the soft palate at the back of the throat and the uvula (those tiny fleshy tissues you can see dangling at the back of the throat) can also hamper breathing or block the airway.
Regardless of type, the individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes or is suspected because of its effects on the body. Symptoms may be present for years, even decades without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance. What this can mean is that the person is never receiving a "good night's sleep" and is essentially becoming clinically exhausted and remaining that way for years.
Common signs and symptoms - for both adults and children
Additional signs of obstructive sleep apnea include restless sleep, and loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps). Other symptoms are non-specific: morning headaches, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, mood or behavior changes, decreased sex drive, increased heart rate, anxiety, depression, increased frequency of urination, nocturia (getting up during the night to urinate), esophageal reflux and heavy sweating at night.
The most serious consequence of obstructive sleep apnea is to the heart. In severe and prolonged cases, there are increases in pulmonary pressures that are transmitted to the right side of the heart. This can result in a severe form of congestive heart failure.
Although it may seem obvious that professional medical attention is needed for patients suffering from sleep apnea, the fact is that millions of people are suffering from acute sleep apnea and do not recognize the symptoms or the need for medical assistance. The science of sleep disorder is very detailed, modern and accurate. Help is available. Sleep apnea is such an important component of health and proper human function that many states have passed laws mandating financial and medical assistance for sufferers of sleep apnea.
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