What is Sleep Apnea?

Do you snore loud enough to keep your partner from getting a restful sleep? Do you wake frequently through the night, have difficulty staying awake at night? Do you fall asleep at work or while driving? You may also wake at night with your chest feeling tight and gasping for air. These are some common conditions of sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder that is treatable and curable. However, you should see your doctor if you are suffering from these symptoms.

Excessive weight gain or restricted airway passages in your throat are the causes of sleep apnea. A restricted airway passage may cause a persons heart to stop beating briefly and this causes the body to gasp for air in a panic like state. Sufferers of sleep apnea may not be aware of this heart stopping panic.

As the sleep apnea conditions develop, sufferers may experience a low libido without even knowing why. Sleep apnea sufferers may also have trouble staying awake while at work or driving, which can be extremely dangerous.

It is important to note that snoring does not always indicate a person has a sleep apnea disorder. A person with sleep apnea snores very deeply and fully and the person snores through the mouth rather than the nose. A sleep apnea sufferers' chest will rise more severely as the person appears to be in a deep sleep. The snoring will stop for a few seconds and then the breathing becomes less prominent, the breathing then stops and the person begins snoring loudly and may gasp for air and then the person may wake themselves up. Now, if the person does not wake up, they are prevented from reaching the normal rapid eye movement stage of sleep due to their constant struggle for air during their sleep period.

The person who suffers from sleep apnea is constantly exhausted. The libido decreases, maybe even causing marital problems. The sleep apnea sufferer loses their motivation and simple chores become taxing.

Sleep apnea, in extreme conditions can become life threatening. When the heart is not beating, it can cause a heart attack and/or suffocation. There are a considerable number of people that suffer from sleep apnea, that do not know they even have it. These same people may just feel that they are tired all the time. They suffer from low motivation and low sex drive but do not know why.

If you feel you have sleep apnea, you should contact your doctor or contact the American Sleep Apnea Association if you live in the United States.

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Our site offers tips and advice on Sleep Apnea by T.D. Houser