Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep. Approximately 3 million adults are troubled with this disorder. Breathing briefly stops or becomes very shallow for approximately 10 to 20 seconds at a time. A person can have hundreds of episodes throughout the duration of rest and not be aware of them; however, it disrupts the person's normal sleep cycle. This results in the body never being able to get into a deep, restorative cycle, which is necessary for an individual to stay mentally sharp, refreshed and alert.

What are the effects?

When apnea is left untreated, it can leave an individual exhausted. Poor concentration, slow reflexes and moods are just some of the things that can be affected by lack of a good night’s rest. Health problems can also increase. The body normally performs preventive maintenance during sleep. When an individual does not get enough rest, it can cause increased stress levels, compromised metabolism and hinder the immune system.

Signs and Symptoms

-Loud, constant snoring

-Choking or gasping for air while resting

-Extended pauses in breathing

-Waking at night or insomnia

-Restlessness

-Headaches when waking

-Lack of concentration

-Extreme fatigue

-Irritability

-Depression

-Moodiness

Treatments

There are home remedies, lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can be effective in treating this disorder.

Home remedies and lifestyles changes:

-Avoid alcohol, sleep aids and caffeine before bed. They can relax the throat muscles and interfere with breathing.

-Shed pounds when overweight. It helps to open up the throat.

-Quit smoking. It can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airways.

-Keep the bedtime routine the same each night. Make sure the room is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature.

-Elevate the head or body.

-Lying on the side or stomach decreases the risk of sagging muscles in the upper airway.

Medical treatments:

A specialist can evaluate symptoms to find an effective treatment. Some common treatments are as follows:

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) Machines and CPAP Masks

CPAP Machines, used along with a CPAP mask, is a treatment used for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The machine supplies a constant stream of air through the connected mask. It keeps the upper airway passages open while an individual rests. Sleep apnea machines can provide immediate symptom relief.

Dental Devices

Oral devices can be used to open the airway by bringing the lower jaw or the tongue forward during rest.

Surgical options

Surgery can be used to increase the size of the airway, which helps reduce the symptoms of the disorder. Tonsils, adenoids, or excess tissue can be removed, or a surgeon may reconstruct the jaw, if necessary.