Do you suffer from Sleep Disorders - and wonder about the Causes of Sleep Apnea? Most people experience some sort of sleep problems during their lifetime. Either they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or feel groggy during the day. Usually, these sleep troubles happen occasionally and do not interfere with everyday life; however if sleep disturbances do interfere with your daily routine and make it difficult to function, you may have a sleep disorder and need to seek medical attention.
There are different types of sleep disorders. The most common is insomnia, which is characterized by the inability to get the amount of sleep necessary to wake up feeling fully refreshed and rested. Insomnia is usually a symptom of other problems, such as stress, anxiety, depression or other health conditions. However, it may also occur as a result of certain lifestyle choices, including lack of exercise, certain medications and the amount of caffeine one consumes.
Sleep apnea is also a common sleep disorder. It is characterized by a blockage in the upper airways that causes sufferers to temporarily stop breathing in their sleep. Sufferers usually awaken numerous times a night. Most do not remember waking, but feel the effects the next day, as they may notice low productivity, depression, exhaustion and irritability. Unlike insomnia, sleep apnea is a life-threatening sleep disorder.
There are three types of sleep apnea, each with differing causes.
• Obstructive sleep apnea- This is the most common form and one that people usually do not realize they have. It occurs when the throat muscles relax in the night. There are several risk factors for this type, including:
Age- Sleep apnea occurs more often in people over 65.
Family history- Having family members with sleep apnea increases the risk.
Excessive weight- Fat deposits around the upper airway may obstruct breathing.
Neck circumference- Having a neck circumference greater than 17 inches puts people at greater risk.
High blood pressure- Sleep apnea is more common in people with hypertension.
Smoking-People who smoke are three times more likely than non-smokers to develop this type of sleep apnea.
Sedentary lifestyle-Prolonged sitting during the day may cause fluids to shift at night and cause a narrowing of the airways.
Narrowed airway- People with enlarged adenoids or tonsils or who have inherited a narrow throat may have an obstructed airway.
Being male- Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea.
Use of tranquilizers, alcohol or other substances that relax the throat muscles.
• Central sleep apnea- This type occurs when the brain cannot or does not send the needed signals to the muscles used to control breathing. There are four main risk factors for this type:
Stroke and brain tumor-These may impair the brains ability to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Disorders of the heart- People with congestive heart failure and arterial fibrillation are more likely to develop this type of sleep apnea.
Being male-Men are more likely than women to develop this type of sleep apnea.
Age – People 65 and over are more likely to develop central sleep apnea, especially if they have other risk factors.
• Complex sleep apnea. This occurs when a person has symptoms of both sleep apneas and it has the same risk factors as obstructive sleep apnea.
Since sleep apnea is potentially life threatening, it is important for anyone who believes they have the condition to see their doctor. Some symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, abrupt wakening caused by shortness of breath, morning headache, waking with a sore throat or dry mouth and insomnia.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Doctors generally recommend lifestyle changes for those with mild sleep apnea. If symptoms do not improve, medical devices, such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP machine, may be necessary to stream air as the person sleeps. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue in the nose or throat that causes vibration or that is blocking the airways.
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