Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is among the most common and most dangerous types of sleep disorder. An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from this condition, which is marked by repeated episodes of cessation of breathing during sleep that over time can lead to high blood pressure, cardiac disease, and disordered thinking.

Often connected with aging, sleep apnea can occur in association with fat buildup or loss of muscle tone. These changes allow the windpipe to collapse while breathing when muscles relax during sleep.

This form of the condition, called obstructive sleep apnea, is usually associated with loud snoring (though not everyone who snores has this condition). Sleep apnea can also occur if the neurons that control breathing malfunction during sleep.

During an episode of obstructive sleep apnea, your effort to inhale air creates suction that collapses the windpipe. This blocks the air flow for 10 seconds to a minute while you struggle to breathe. When your blood oxygen level falls, the brain responds by awakening you enough to tighten the upper airway muscles and open the windpipe. You may snort or gasp, then resume breathing. This cycle may be repeated hundreds of times a night.

The frequent awakenings that you experience as a sleep apnea sufferer leave you continually sleepy and may lead to personality changes such as irritability or depression. Sleep apnea also deprives you of oxygen, which can lead to morning headaches, a loss of interest in sex, or a decline in mental functioning. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke also often arise in cases of sleep apnea.

If you suffer from severe, untreated sleep apnea you appear two to three times more likely to have automobile accidents than the general population.

Mild sleep apnea can frequently be overcome through weight loss or by preventing you from sleeping on your back. You may need special devices or surgery to correct the obstruction.

If you suffer from sleep apnea you should never take sedatives or sleeping pills, which can prevent you from awakening enough to breathe.