What is Sleep Apnea and is there a Cure?

Are you a chronic snorer? Do you have trouble sleeping through the night, resulting in irritability, lack of concentration or trouble remembering things? If so, it’s possible you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

A reported 22 million Americans have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a disorder that results when breathing is consistently interrupted while trying to sleep.

There are several potential causes for sleep apnea, but the good news is that the disorder can frequently be corrected or, at the very least, treated.

These long pauses in your breathing while you try to sleep are frequently accompanied by loud snoring or gasping.

As you might have guessed, all those interruptions can also result in unrestful slumber, which in turn can lead to secondary symptoms such as falling asleep on the job or bouts of depression.

Is There a Cure for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can result from being overweight or smoking cigarettes or can even be due to physical traits such as having a small jaw or a large neck.

In some cases, losing weight or cutting down on smoking/alcohol consumption will take care of the problem.

In other instances, sleep apnea equipment such as mouth devices or respirators can help keep you breathing correctly through the night and, in turn, negate those secondary symptoms.

If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea, the first step is to consult a physician. Before making the appointment, be sure to keep a record of your sleep habits and fatigue levels, as well as any other symptoms you feel might be caused by the disorder.

If you have a bed partner, he or she may be able to offer input concerning your snoring habits or whether you gasp or choke throughout the night. With this information, your doctor should be able to make a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.