What are the vital facts to know about sleep apnea?
A sleeping disorder called sleep apnea includes abnormally low breathing or abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. The word “apnea” is the Greek word “apnoea,” which means “without breath. It helps describe each pause in between subsequent breaths. When breathing normally, the frequency of pauses is constant and predictable.
Sleep apnea occurs when the usual breathing pattern changes for various reasons, and the gaps between subsequent pauses start erratic. “Hypopnea” is the term used to describe each irregular breath stoppage. Therefore, each pause or period during normal breathing is called “apnea” and irregular breathing. Such conditions require sleep apnea treatment Houston TX.
What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?
Individuals suffering from the disorder often do not know they have it. Specific symptoms can ascertain whether the individual is suffering from the disorder. Therefore visit a sleep apnea specialist to confirm the condition.
The significant symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Restless sleeping patterns
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Night sweats
- Feeling excessively sleepy during the day
- Snoring frequently and loudly
- Trouble in breathing during sleep
Other symptoms indicating a possible disorder are:
- Fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Loss of memory
- Difficulty in learning new things
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate for long
- Depressions
- Mood swings and/or personality changes
- Dry throat when waking
- Frequent urination during the night
- Causes of sleep apnea
What are the leading causes?
The disorder generally occurs due to a fat buildup or a loss of muscle tone, especially during old age. In this particular disorder, the tracheal muscles (“trachea” is the windpipe), the soft palate muscles at the base of the tongue, and the uvula (“uvula” is the triangular-shaped small fleshy tissue hanging from the center in the back of the throat) relax to a considerable extent and collapse during the breathing activity.
In simple terms, the windpipe becomes taut, or the layers of the windpipe adhere, restricting airflow into the lungs. The disorder can also occur due to malfunctioning neurons controlling the breathing process during sleep. This sleep disorder can be diagnosed by an overnight polysomnogram test. This sleep test is extensively used to detect sleeping disorders and related problems. Book an appointment at sleep apnea clinic 77019 to get a precise diagnosis & treatment.
Effects of sleep apnea
Even though the sleep disorder might appear to be common and not-so-serious, it can lead to some severe health problems. If left untreated, the condition can result in:
- Depression
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeats
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Chronic Heart Failure
- Worsening of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Such conditions require treatment from the midtown sleep apnea clinic.
The treatment for the sleep disorder varies per the level to which the individual is suffering from it. Generally, the treatment can be administered in the form of therapies and surgeries depending on how much the disorder affects the individual.
Book an appointment at Montrose sleep apnea clinic for effective Sleep apnea treatment.
