Definition
Millions of people worldwide suffer from Sleep Apnea, a sleeping disorder that disrupt sleep and makes waking hours miserable. Sleep Apnea is defined as pause or stoppage of breathing during sleep. There are three types of Sleep Apnea: Obstructive, Central and Mixed.
 
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common. OSA is defined as pause/stoppage of breathing during sleep caused by repetitive partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway (throat). In most cases, the site of the obstruction is the soft palate extending to the region at the base of the tongue and usually occurs when the soft tissue at the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
 
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central Sleep Apnea is the rarest type of sleep apnea. CSA is defined as pause/stoppage of breathing during sleep caused by the inability of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respiration. CSA is a neurological disorder and is very different in cause than OSA which is a physical in nature.
 
Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA)
Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA.

Symptoms
At night, sleep apneics may:
• Snore, snort, and gasp for breath, then jerk suddenly, and resume breathing.
• Perspire heavily during sleep.
 
During the day, sleep apneics may:
• Experience excessive sleepiness.
• Complain of a lack of restful sleep.
• Awake with a headache.
• Feel confused upon awakening.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Experience impotence.
• Exhibit personality changes.
 
If you experience these symptoms, avoid alcohol, caffeine, narcotics, and cold/sleep medicine which may worsen your condition.

Risk Factors
The primary risk factor for OSA is excessive weight gain. The accumulation of fat on the sides of the upper airway causes it to become narrow and predisposed to closure when the muscles relax. Age is another prominent risk factor. Loss of muscle mass is a common consequence of the aging process. If muscle mass decreases in the airway, it may be replaced with fat, leaving the airway narrow and soft. Men have a greater risk for OSA. Male hormones may also cause structural changes in the upper airway.
 
OSA can create physical and emotional drain resulting in a reduced quality of life. Sufferers may productivity at work, have strained relationships with loved ones, experience a decrease in strength and stamina, feel tired and feel sluggish. At their worst, they are life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

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