About Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring, along with excessive daytime drowsiness are associated with sleep apnea. People with this condition actually stop breathing while they are asleep for a period ranging from a few seconds to more than a minute. In addition to excessive sleepiness and irritability during the day, sleep apnea has been linked to heart problems, weight gain, high blood pressure, impotence and even sudden death while sleeping. Undiagnosed, a sleep disorder can affect social interaction, family dynamics, job performance and normal attention span. It can also be associated with high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and possibly a shortened life span. These symptoms can potentially be completely alleviated with proper treatment.
What Causes It?
The airway at the back of the mouth and nose should be open for breathing during sleep. In the upper airway the tongue and the upper throat meet the soft palate and the uvula. This site is a collapsible part of the airway. When these parts touch and vibrate while you breath, the result is snoring. Complete collapse results in obstruction and, if frequent, could result in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.
Treatment
Treatment for sleep apnea can include behavioral therapy, weight loss, the application of continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, the judicious use of medications or, in some cases, surgical intervention.