Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea???

Short and irregular pauses in breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is fairly common but still can be really dangerous, it affects 4% of men

and 2% of women*. The pauses are called apnea events and can last for 10 to 30 seconds and can happen 5 to 30 times in an hour. This can cause loud snoring, snorting or choking

sounds.* Risks increase with obesity to about 1 in 10

Causes

-Your throat and tongue relax more than normal

-Tongue and tonsil are large compared to the opening into your

windpipe

-Overweight, the extra tissue can thicken the wall of the windpipe

-The shape of your head or neck may cause a smaller airway size

-Brain signals are limited and don’t tell your body to keep the throat

stiff during sleep

RisksAnyone can get sleep Apnea especially if:

-You are obese-Family history of Sleep Apnea-Have a large thick neck (larger than 17 inches for men; larger than 16 inches for women).-Age over 40-Male-Large tonsils-You have a recessed chin (your chin tucks in)-Children are at higher risk of sleep apnea if they have large adenoids and tonsils

SymptomsThe two main symptoms are:

You’re very sleepy and fatigued during the day, but you don’t

know why.

You snore and have pauses in your breathing while sleeping.

Other signs and symptoms :

-high blood pressure

-You’re irritable

- Gasping or choking during sleep

- Depression

- Lack of or less concentration

- Morning headaches

- Memory problems or/and memory loss

Treatment and Untreated

Untreated sleep apnea can:

-increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes-worsen the heart-make irregular heartbeats more likely-increase work related accidents

Only about 10% of the people with sleep apnea are currently receiving treatment.Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long term management. Mouthpieces, surgery and breathing devices can treat sleep apnea in most people.

Sources

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapn

ea/

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/apnea-apnee/what-qu

oi/index_e.php

http://www.cpapmachinescanada.com/sleep-apnea.php