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.