What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep. Individuals with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing during their sleep. In severe case of sleep apnea an individual can stop breathing up to hundred times a night. This deprives the brain and the rest of the body from oxygen, results in numerous other health issues.
There are two types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the more common of the two forms of sleep apnea. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Is unlike OSA, in that the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe due to the instability in the respiratory control center.
Are you at risk for sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Some risk factors for sleep apnea may include:
- Being male
- Being overweight
- Being over age 40
- Having a large neck
- Having a large tonsils, a large tongue or a small jaw bone
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems
The most common treatment for OSA is the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). A CPAP machine increases air pressure to the throat so that the airway does not collapse when breathing. For information on how our SleepWeaver products can help with treating your OSA visit us product section online at: https://circadiance.com/products/