Sleep apnoea is a disorder that affects about 12 million Americans, is characterized by breath pauses during sleep, which may last for 20 to 30 seconds or more. Sleep apnea snoring is the associated symptom of snoring in the sleep apnea sufferer. . Sleep apnea episodes usually happen five to 30 times in an hour and may cause sleep disturbances. Snorting, choking, and snoring are typical to people with sleep apnea.
It is common in men and older people, although women and children can also be diagnosed with it. Because of the nature of the condition, people with sleep apnea are normally not aware of their sleeping irregularities. In fact, it is said that 80 to 90% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Usually, it is their bed partners who notice their condition.
There are two common types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and comes as a result of blocked airways. Once the airway is blocked, breathing stops and the individual begins to gasp and snort. The oxygen level decreases, while carbon dioxide level increases. This then stimulates the brain to normalize the breathing process and prompts the person to wake up and to open the airway by adjusting the tongue and throat muscles. Normal breathing then ensues followed usually by loud snoring. The person, however, may neither remember being awake for a short time nor be aware of his gasps for air.
The other type is called central sleep apnea , which is caused by the brain’s delayed signals to the breathing muscles. It sounds scary, but breathing actually stops and oxygen levels begin to drop. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea is less common. It is a central nervous system disorder and can result from an injury or disease that involves the brainstem. This can be in the form of stroke and brain tumor, among other things.
Though people with central sleep apnea may not usually snore, they may experience shortness of breath. Both types of sleep apnea have different causes, but their effects are the same: low level of oxygen in the brain, poor sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even depression. They can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart irregularities when the oxygen reaches a dangerously low level. Additionally, this condition is known to put strains on relationships because of the loud snoring that can cause sleep deprivation. The partner is also very keen to know how to stop snoring at night.
It would rather be hard for a person to know whether he has sleep apnea, since the condition manifests only during sleep . However, if he suspects to having the condition, specially if he shows the symptoms, he can opt to document his sleeping patterns. The person must engage the assistance of his sleeping partner to monitor symptoms. Or if he sleeps alone, he can videotape himself sleeping and notice if there are irregularities . These observations would help determine if seeing a doctor or a sleep specialist is necessary. Upon diagnosis, the sleep specialist would recommend treatments or surgery depending on the severity of the condition. But for minor sleep apnea, some behavioral treatments or lifestyle changes can be helpful. Examples are turning away of alcohol and tobacco, weight loss, and having regular sleep hours. But in any case, seeking the professional advice of a sleep specialist is necessary in treating a diagnosed case of sleep apnea snoring.