Sleep apnea is an obstructive breathing problem that can be quite serious, possibly even causing death. It hits people of all ages and genders. The person who suffers from sleep apnea is usually not even aware that they have this disorder. It is usually discovered when the patient’s partner complains about the loud snoring, and the fact that they are unable to sleep. Usually the initial visit with a sleep specialist involves not only the patient, but also the partner, because the partner can give more accurate descriptions of the person’s sleep patterns. He will discuss sleep apnea, apnea machine options, and care.
The major problem of sleep apnea is that the person is usually snoring loudly during the night, but occasionally, they stop snoring. During this period, they not only stop snoring, but they also stop breathing. Usually the body will “jump start” itself and the person will start breathing again. The partner may notice that the person may flail their arms and legs during their sleep, this is when they are trying to start breathing again. Sleep apnea has serious consequences. It can lead to heart attack or stroke, so it should not be left unattended. A physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
There are many causes for obstructive sleep apnea. The one heard most frequently is obesity. The added weight puts pressure on the lungs to force air out when the body is in a prone position. The airway becomes blocked and breathing becomes difficult. There are other causes, such as problems with a deviated septum. One person did not have large enough holes in his nose to allow for sufficient air to pass through.
A person who suffers from sleep apnea often suffers from fatigue during the day due to lack of restorative sleep at night. They fall asleep frequently if they sit down for a while. This can be a problem if they are driving a car for a distance. Caution should be used when driving, with frequent stops being made.
If you notice that your partner, or even if you notice these symptoms in yourself, advise your doctor. You will be referred for a sleep study analysis. During that study, you will be hooked up to machines like an eeg, ekg, etc; and you will be monitored during your sleep that night. Then a specialist will analyze your results and determine if you do in fact have sleep apnea and need an apnea machine.