Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Each episode, called an apnea, lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed, and such episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. The individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes or is suspected because of its effects on the body. Symptoms may be present for years (or even decades) without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance. Sleep apnea is also linked to heart disease and strokes. “Do you have Sleep Apnea? Click here to identify your risk factors. |
Treatment
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which 'splints' the patient's airway open during sleep by means of a flow of pressurized air into the throat. The CPAP machine assists only inhaling, whereas a BiPAP machine assists with both inhaling and exhaling and is used in more severe cases
The results of Sleep Apnea Therapy are astounding. Many patients state that their CPAP machine has changed their lives by allowing them to achieve sound Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep at night. They are energized, they lose weight, and their health indicators improve dramatically.
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