Learn the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Ten years ago, sleep apnea was an unknown condition. Today, it is rapidly becoming a household word. Those who suffer from sleep apnea in the past never knew they had a life threatening condition. They often died in their sleep, the cause blamed on heart failure, strokes, or old age.

"It is estimated that about 18 million people have sleep apnea, but millions of these adults and children have no idea that they have this problem. They suffer needlessly from a common and potentially life threatening medical disorder, which can be treated," says Edward Grandi, American Sleep Apnea Association's executive director.

Sleep apnea actually causes breathing to stop during sleep. These episodes can happen hundreds of times a night without the person realizing it. If the person is unable to start breathing again, brain damage, heart attack, or death can occur.

Sleep apnea is most prevalent in overweight people, but can occur in anyone. The airway becomes blocked by extra tissue, oversized tonsils, or the muscles in the airway collapsing while sleeping.

There are many symptoms related to sleep apnea. These range from mild to severe depending upon the instances of airway blockage:

• loud snoring with frequent gasping or snorting

• sleepiness during the day

• overweight

• depression

• dry mouth

• not able to concentrate

• confusion

• restless legs

• heartburn

• excessive sweating at night

• loss of sex drive

When any of these symptoms occur, a sleep test, polysomnography, can determine if the cause is actually sleep apnea. This is usually done in the hospital during an overnight stay. During the sleep test, brain waves, breathing, oxygen levels and sounds of snoring or gasping are recorded. The test records every instance of breathing cessation. It is a painless test, and results are immediate.

Once the doctor determines if sleep apnea is evident, he will recommend a treatment plan. Mild sleep apnea can usually be treated with weight loss and sleeping on the side rather than the back.

Researchers have revealed that serotonin levels can cause the occurrence of sleep apnea. Serotonin is needed for the nerves to regulate breathing. Serotonin receptors also control the distribution of hormones like cortisol. Cortisol influences the muscles needed for breathing. Scientists have deduced that, prescribing serotonin precursors such as 5-HTP may alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

Moderate and severe sleep apnea requires a CPAP machine, (continuous positive airway pressure). The machine is set at a predetermined pressure level and a hose is connected from the machine to a face mask that the patient wears while sleeping. The CPAP machine blows air into the mouth, keeping the airway open.

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially dangerous condition that should be diagnosed and treated immediately. Wearing the mask can be difficult at first, but it is well worth the effort. Once the mask is worn throughout the night, the symptoms will disappear within a few weeks and the patient will feel much better, regaining energy, concentration, muscle control, and positive attitude.