Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148 Pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to several minutes. There are two main types of sleep apnea, and a third which involves a combination of the two.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscles relax, which in turn blocks the airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn't send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Mixed (or complex) sleep apnea contains both muscular and brain functioning issues.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148 Some people who have sleep apnea don't know it because the symptoms occur while they are sleeping. Because of this, the disorder oftentimes goes undiagnosed.http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html

Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Treatment

Some symptoms of sleep apnea may include loud or excessive snoring, abrupt awakenings during the night, choking or gasping for air during sleep, restlessness, experiencing a sore throat after waking up, fatigue during the day, insomnia, or frequent headaches. Someone who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea may also experience a lesser interest in sex, accompanied by mood changes or forgetfulness.http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/symptoms-of-sleep-apnea

In many cases some lifestyle changes will be an effective way to deal with sleep apnea. Some of these changes would be to quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and to lose weight. Some of the more severe cases of sleep apnea can be treated with breathing machines or even surgery.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs