Sleep Apnea is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing whilst asleep. Pauses can be serious and disruptive, lasting for anything from a couple of seconds to a few minutes. The bodies reaction to this is to wake up. People with the condition are often unaware of ever having been woken up. Nevertheless, sufferers struggle to get a good night’s sleep and have chronic tiredness and drowsiness the next day. CPAP machines are used as a treatment of this condition.
There are two main forms of Sleep Apnea. Central Sleep Apnea is brought about when brain signals that control breathing stop during sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused when muscles and tissue around the air passages collapse, blocking the airways. The obstructive type of sleep apnea can be effectively treated with CPAP therapy.
Sleep Apnea has a range or related symptoms. Sufferers may be unaware of some as they occur whilst asleep. These can include very heavy but broken snoring, tossing and turning, or sudden gasping or snorting. A person with sleep apnea may find that during the day they are tired, drowsy, irritable, and find it hard to concentrate while driving.
Long term Sleep Apnea which goes untreated can have serious health implications. It is linked with heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. It is also associated with depression and chronic fatigue.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is currently the most effective treatment for most people with OSA. It comes in the form of a face mask which provides the wearer with constant pressure at a level prescribed by a doctor. The mask provides a continuous air flow which keeps the airways open and allows the wearer to have uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.
CPAP users find many benefits. There is usually a huge improvement in quality and duration of sleep. As a result users are less tired, more alert, and have more energy.
For the therapy to be an effective treatment it needs to be worn every night. Some people can find the mask uncomfortable and hard to sleep in to begin with. However it provides a significant reduction in symptoms so it is important to persevere. People who wear the mask every night, even if just for a few hours, will get used to it faster. Wearing the mask when in the house during the day is a good way to grow accustomed to it more quickly.
There are several other possible treatments available. Dental procedures can be helpful for some individuals. Reducing your weight if you are significantly overweight or obese can have significant benefits. Sleeping in an upright position, reducing drinking, and stopping smoking can also be effective.
CPAP is the primary treatment for Sleep Apnea and it works for nearly all sufferers. Lack of compliance is the biggest problem with the therapy. Wearing it every night is a sure way to treat the symptoms so it is worthwhile persevering. It will treat the serious risks of Sleep Apnea like heart problems as well as life style issues and will even lessen snoring.
Get more information today on sleep apnea symptoms, where to get CPAP supplies Ottawa and steps to take. Medflex Ottawa Photo 1105 Carling Avenue #102, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G5, Canada 613-729-2724