Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when an adult regularly stops
breathing or has slowed breathing during sleep for 10
seconds or longer. It can be mild, moderate, or severe,
based on the number of times per hour breathing stops
(apnea) or slows (hypopnea).
The three main types of sleep apnea are:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the
result of blocked airflow during sleep, such as from
narrowed airways. Other factors, such as obesity, often
contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea, which results from a
problem with how the brain signals the breathing
muscles. This type of apnea can occur with conditions
such as heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections,
and stroke.
Mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of
obstructive and central sleep apnea.
A person who has sleep apnea may snore loudly and
have restless sleep with difficulty breathing. The
person may wake up with a headache and be very tired
throughout the day.
Sleep apnea may improve with changes in sleep habits,
such as not sleeping on your back. Sometimes devices to
help breathing during sleep are useful, and occasionally
surgery may help.
Sleep Apnea ranges in severity. Follow the link
bellow for more information:
|
