Sleep Apnea
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can affect a person’s ability to safely perform normal daily activities and can affect long term health. Approximately 25 percent of adults are at risk for sleep apnea of some degree.
Sleep apnea’s chief cause is a small upper airway. As the bones of the face and skull develop, some people develop a small lower face, a small mouth, and a tongue that seems too large for the mouth. These features are genetically determined, which explains why sleep apnea tends to cluster in families. Obesity is another major factor. Tonsil enlargement can be an important cause, especially in children.
Loud snoring, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness are all symptoms of sleep apnea. However, some people have no symptoms. For example, if the person does not have a bed partner, he or she may not be aware of the snoring. Fatigue and sleepiness have many causes and are often attributed to overwork and increasing age.
The following symptoms can be caused by sleep apnea:
- Restless sleep
- Awakening with choking, gasping, or smothering
- Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat
- Waking frequently to urinate
- Awakening unrested, groggy
- Memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, low energy
The goal of sleep apnea treatment is to maintain an open airway during sleep. Effective treatment will eliminate the symptoms of sleep disturbance; long-term health consequences are also reduced. Most treatments require nightly use. The challenge for the physician and the patient is to select an effective therapy that is appropriate for the patient’s problem and that is acceptable for long term use.
Contact your physician if you think you may have sleep apnea. More information can be found by visiting the following links:
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