Over 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, according to the National Institutes of Health. Why is this number so high? The numbers are high because so many people are misdiagnosed or they're not diagnosed at all. Some people take sleep for granted – until they begin to slowly experience the negative side-effects of losing sleep. Here are three common causes of sleep apnea:
Central Sleep Apnea
Common symptoms are daytime fatigue and snoring. People who suffer from Central Sleep Apnea tend to have difficulty staying asleep at night or wake up with shortness of breath. This form of sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. If left untreated, it could lead to heart disease and strokes.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
People with this form of sleep apnea tend to make loud snorting sounds during their sleep. For some, this may occur every few minutes. This is considered one of the most common forms of sleep apnea. It happens when your muscles in the back of your throat relax as you drift off to sleep. This causes the airways to close while blocking the passage of air. As a result, your brain triggers you wake up in the middle of sleep in order to reopen your airway.
Complex Sleep Apnea
This is considered a rare sleeping disorder. It is often called ‘mixed sleep apnea’. This is when your upper airways are obstructed. As a result, your breathing patterns demonstrate lapses or gaps in breathing.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from a very mild form of sleep apnea, your physician my suggest changes in your diet or even quitting smoking. If you suffer from a severe form of this disorder, your physician may recommend an Oral Appliance. With an oral appliance, you will be able to sleep easier without interruption.
