Sleep Apnea Is Not As Benign As It Sounds

Sleep apnea poses potential daytime dangers to sufferers with impaired memory functions, an inability to concentrate and poor work performance. Apnea has a deleterious impact on sleeping with episodes of breathing cessation that interfere with continuous, deep REM’s that enable profound, relaxation necessary for adequate rejuvenation. Lacking adequate REM sleep can result in an inability to safely drive, or perform routine tasks, increasing accident risk for the patient and others.

Apnea disturbs sleeping patterns in three forms. Most common is Obstructive (OSA), whereby the lax musculature within the neck falls as sleeping occurs, with gravity allowing airway blockage. Central (CSA) is initiated when the central nervous system misfires the impulses that control breathing at the respiratory level. Complex involves varying combinations of the other two forms. Health conditions, such as obesity, respiratory or central nervous system diseases contribute to the propensity for this episodic breathing dysfunction.

The symptoms with this somnific disorder are chronic daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), snoring with obstructive cause, observed cessations in breathing seen in CSA, dry mouth/sore throat or morning headache upon awakening, abrupt, gasping awakenings with shortness of breath, and difficulty maintaining an ongoing sleep state. Behavioral effects can exhibit with lack of motivation, moodiness, and aggressiveness that impact social and work status. Consultation with a medical professional is recommended with any symptoms of episodic, breathing disturbances.

Some risk factions for apnea are beyond our control. Males are twice as likely to exhibit the disorder compared to females, except women that are overweight, as obesity levels the risk. At risk are victims of their heredity, heart disease, hypothyroidism, aging, senility and certain stress related mental conditions. Other causes are within patient control such as, obesity, activity level, drug, alcohol and tobacco use are lifestyle choices that pose risk.

Apnea carries the risk for consequences that range from potentially serious to life-threatening. The risk for accidents while driving or operating machinery resulting from lack of adequate rest is considerable. Heart conditions creating arrhythmia’s or congestive heart failure are not uncommon with episodes of chronic oxygen deprivation present with this disorder. Inadequate levels of oxygen to the brain can result in permanent, debilitating brain injury or death.

Diagnostic measures include observation of symptoms by someone close to you, medical history and exam by a physician, laboratory studies that measure oxygen in the blood, chest-wall movement and nasal air flow. Usually, a brain wave study via electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed, in addition to overnight studies known as a polysomnogram, done in a controlled, laboratory environment for confirmed diagnosis.

Treatment is determined based on the patients general health, functional daytime capacity and the severity of the disorder. Mild cases may entail lifestyle changes for weight loss or smoking cessation. Dental devices can suffice to open up blocked airways. Severe cases may required CPAP that delivers air-pressure through a mask while you are asleep, keeping your upper airway open. Surgical procedures effectively cure the obstructive form of this disorder.

Doctor recommendations for mild sleep apnea Ottawa begin with weight-loss to manage obesity, smoking cessation for tobacco addiction and medication for daytime sleepiness. Surgery for serious cases can be curative. Dental appliances and CPAP therapies are effective only with diligent patient compliance as viable measures of maintaining open airways while sleeping.

Sleep apnea Ottawa is a sleep disorder many battle, but aren’t aware of the CPAP supplies Ottawa available to them, or where to find information on symptoms, CPAP Ottawa, and the next steps to take.