A Definition of Sleep Apnea and Its Causes

by Rudy Watkins

There are several different types of sleep apnea, the most common being obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. OSA basically means that some type of obstruction causes a person to stop breathing while they are sleeping. While the person will start breathing again this can cause long term health issues, some of them quite serious.

There are many reasons why a person may suffer from sleep apnea. One such reason has to do with the anatomy of the throat. When a person is sleeping it is natural for the muscles of the throat to relax to a certain point. However, some people have a very narrow airway and when the muscles relax they can sometimes get in the way of air flow. This can either cause snoring or a complete temporary blockage of air which is known as sleep apnea.

In some people there is no anatomical reason for their sleep

apnea. They simply stop breathing for a period of ten seconds or more during sleep. They are often awoken when they begin gasping for breath. People with sleep apnea often don’t get a good night’s rest since they are constantly being woken up. Sleep apnea sufferers often have feel tired and irritable throughout the day.

Some people with sleep apnea are not really fully awoken during the night and may have no idea that they even have sleep apnea. Snoring is seen by our society as a minor irritation, not the potential sign of a serious health problem. If someone has commented on your snoring you may want to see your doctor to ensure it isn’t the sign of sleep apnea.

Some other symptoms that may signify that you have sleep apnea include morning headaches, snoring, feeling tired throughout the day, high blood pressure,

hyperactivity, poor memory, inability to concentrate, and swollen legs. If you have one or more of these symptoms you should talk to your doctor.

Your doctor will be able to run a test called a polysomnogram or PSG which can rule out sleep apnea. This test is very effective in helping to determine sleep apnea and measures brainwaves, eye movement, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing rate, muscle activity and amount of air being inhaled and exhaled. The PSG will be able to tell your doctor if you have sleep apnea and how serious of a case it is.

Rudy Watkins answers the question what is sleep apnea and other related topics on the Apnea Guide website. Visit www.apneaguide.com to learn more and sign up for our free newsletter.

Other Articles:

Alternative Treatment for Depression: Learning How Herbs Can Aid in Treating Depression Naturally
If you are like many of the 20.9 million adults in the U.S. who are suffering from depression, you have probably debated the pros and cons of taking prescription antidepressants. While depression can often be combated with therapy alone, some professionals do recommend medication for...

Headaches - Causes and Treatment
A headache is a continuous pain in the head. It does not occur in the brain, as it does not contain sensory nerves. A headache occurs in the membranes surrounding the brain, or in the muscles and blood vessels beneath the scalp. Pain commences if the above are stretched or swollen. ...

Stop! You Might be Injuring Yourself Just By Reading This Article!
Virtually everyone today uses a computer either for home use or at work. Did you know there are many injuries and ill health conditions associated with using a computer? Every time you look at your computer screen you are straining your eye muscles to a certain extent. The most common...