Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is disturbed during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep and start again, this may occur hundreds of times, which means that the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

There are two types of sleep apnea:

* Obstructive sleep apnea, which is more common and occurs when the throat muscles

    relax

* Central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the

   muscles that control breathing.

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea: Excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring

abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, and difficulty staying asleep ( insomnia ). If you have any of these symptoms and think you may have sleep apnea, consult a doctor. Treatment is necessary to avoid heart problems and other complications.

Self-care is the most appropriate way to deal with sleep apnea

• If obese, weight loss would help relieve constriction In the throat. in some cases, sleep

  apnea may be cured by gaining a healthy weight.

* Doing 30 minutes of activity, such as a brisk walk, most days of the week may help ease obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

alcohol and sleeping pills. These relax the muscles in the back of the throat, that

  Interfere with breathing.

*Sleep on the side or abdomen rather than on the back. Sleeping on the back can cause the

  tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of the throat and

  block the airway.

• Keep the nasal passages open at night by using a saline nasal spray. Consult a doctor

  before using a spray because they are usually recommended only for the short-term.

• Stop smoking, if you are a smoker. Smoking worsens obstructive sleep apnea,

• Follow a good sleep routine that helps you to relax and get enough sleep.