Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea (also apnoea) is characterized by the interruption of breathing patterns during sleep. In this disorder, the muscles that hold the airway open relax and causes breathing passages to collapse, with the person waking up briefly to take a gasping breath. While the disturbance is often accompanied by heavy snoring, it is not always the case. People with this condition do not remember the events and actually believe they slept well through the night and thus cannot understand why they feel sleepy or tired during the day.

An estimated one in every 30 to 50 adults has sleep apnea. If you or your loved one suspects you have the condition (which can be easily noticed when you’re sleeping with someone) it is advised to get help immediately.

You can try intermediate treatment using sleeping supplements but, in most cases, medical attention, appropriate treatment and medication is required immediately for people suffering from this condition.

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition, if the symptoms are severe. Undiagnosed, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease.

If you suspect you or your loved one have this condition, watch out for any of the following associated symptoms:

* tiredness during the day
* loud snoring
* morning headaches
* unrefreshing sleep
* a dry mouth upon awakening
* chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
* high blood pressure
* overweight
* irritability
* change in personality
* depression
* difficulty concentrating
* excessive perspiring during sleep
* heartburn
* reduced libido
* insomnia
* frequent nocturnal urination (nocturia)
* restless sleep
* nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
* rapid weight gain
* confusion upon awakening