Sleep Apnea...What Is It?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can be categorized into three major types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Persons diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea suffer from obstruction of their airways primarly caused when the soft tissue in the back of their throat collapses and closes during sleep.
  
• Central Sleep Apnea - Restriction of the airways of persons diagnosed with central sleep apnea are not due to physical blockages, but have to due with the fact that their brain fells to
  
• Mixed Sleep Apnea - As the name implies, persons diagnosed with mixed sleep apnea combined characteristics of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Studies published by the National Institute of Health indicate that sleep apnea is as common as diabetes...more than 18 million Americans have the disorder. It is not well known among general public nor health professionals. As a result, its often ignored or misdiagosed.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, including children, but their are some common risk factors to look out for:

• Being male
• Being Overweight
• Being over 40 year of age

Left unchecked, sleep apnea can result in

• High blood pressure
• Memory issues
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Infertility
• Sleep deprivation
• Heart disease

NOTE: Sleep apnea should be diagnosed and treated by your health care provider.