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What is Sleep Apnea??? Short and irregular pauses in breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is fairly common but still can be really dangerous, it affects 4% of men and 2% of women*. The pauses are called apnea events and can last for 10 to 30 seconds and can happen 5 to 30 times in an hour. This can cause loud snoring, snorting or choking sounds. * Risks increase with obesity to about 1 in 10
Causes Your throat and tongue relax more than normal Tongue and tonsil are large compared to the opening into your windpipe Overweight, the extra tissue can thicken the wall of the windpipe The shape of your head or neck may cause a smaller airway size Brain signals are limited and don’t tell your body to keep the throat stiff during sleep
Risks Anyone can get sleep Apnea especially if: You are obese Family history of Sleep Apnea Have a large thick neck (larger than 17 inches for men; larger than 16 inches for women). Age over 40 Male Large tonsils You have a recessed chin (your chin tucks in) Children are at higher risk of sleep apnea if they have large adenoids and tonsils
Symptoms The two main symptoms are: You’re very sleepy and fatigued during the day, but you don’t know why. You snore and have pauses in your breathing while sleeping. Other signs and symptoms : -high blood pressure -You’re irritable - Gasping or choking during sleep - Depression - Lack of or less concentration - Morning headaches - Memory problems or/and memory loss
Treatment and Untreated Untreated sleep apnea can: -increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes-worsen the heart-make irregular heartbeats more likely-increase work related accidents Only about 10% of the people with sleep apnea are currently receiving treatment.Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long term management. Mouthpieces, surgery and breathing devices can treat sleep apnea in most people.
Sources http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/ http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/apnea-apnee/what-quoi/index_e.php http://www.cpapmachinescanada.com/sleep-apnea.php