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Snoring and sleep apnea

June 5th, 2008 by Gideon George


Snoring

Snoring is a common sleep disorder that can affect just about everyone; it is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping.

If the airways in your throat and nose are narrowed during sleep, the air you breathe in and out has to push its way through a smaller passage. This can create a “snoring” noise, mostly due to vibrations of loose tissue in the back of your throat. In some cases the sound may be soft, in others loud and unpleasant.

Any person can snore. Frequently, people who do not regularly snore will report snoring after a viral illness, after drinking alcohol, or when taking some medications. Studies estimate that 30% of women and 45% of men snore on a regular basis. It is most common in men and those who are overweight. Even a baby or a pet may snore!

Dangers of Snoring

Is snoring serious?

Yes, you should not take it for a joke because it is fatal. A lot of people are not aware that snoring is very dangerous and may lead to dead. Take a look at some dangers of snoring

  • Snorers have a markedly higher risk of developing heart attacks, high blood pressure, or strokes.
  • Snorers have a 300% higher risk of becoming involved in an automobile accident.
  • Snorers have a 400% to 500% higher risk of daytime fatigue.
  • 25% of all preadolescence children are chronic snorers, and most of these have some form of sleep apnea ,
  • Snoring causes sleep disturbances that lead to increased anxiety, hyperirritability, decreased memory and poor concentration.
  • Snoring causes sleep apnea , a serious medical condition, in 20% of all chronic snorers.

What is sleep apnea?

The word “apnea” literally means “not breathing.” People with sleep apnea actually stop breathing for periods of time during sleep. As their oxygen levels fall and carbon dioxide levels rise, their brain eventually becomes aroused enough to wake them up, and they start breathing again. The cycle repeats over and over again throughout the night, resulting in constant interruptions in sleep and feeling tired all day long.

This is actually a life-threatening condition. The most immediate risk is falling asleep while driving or doing something else that requires sharp mental attention. Sleep apnea also raises blood pressure throughout the body and in the lungs. Over time, that causes thickening of the lung tissues and permanent lung disease. The elevated blood pressure is also a risk factor for multiple other health problems, including heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.

The most common cause of sleep apnea is Snoring and being overweight. Alcohol and sedating medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) also contribute to sleep apnea. Sometimes the cause is a neurological condition.

Here are some of the Symptoms of sleep apnea :

  • Loud Snoring . Many, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.
  • Frequent cessation of breathing . Ask someone with whom you share a bedroom, or record yourself sleeping. Pauses often last 2-10 seconds, but they can be even longer.
  • Frequent awakening . Do you startle yourself awake in the middle of the night, perhaps gasping for air? It may seem like you snored so loudly you woke yourself up, but it’s really due to that pause in your breathing.
  • Waking up in a sweat during the night.
  • Unrefreshing sleep . People with sleep apnea still feel tired in the morning because they didn’t get much sleep overnight.
  • Daytime sleepiness . If you’re so tired during the day that you nearly fall asleep while driving or doing other things that require concentration, sleep apnea is a likely cause.
  • Headaches . The low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels overnight, combined with inadequate sleep, can cause severe headaches, especially first thing in the morning.
  • sore throat, or dry mouth in the mornings after waking up
  • Sexual dysfunction — Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers may experience a lack of sexual desire due to fatigue and even impotence in men.

If any of these symptoms describe you then you have to do something fast! Because it can never go on its own you have to treat it! Many people die as a result of sleep apnea, but are ignorant of it, some even die while sleeping.

If you are a snorer you have to tackle your snoring now! Before it graduates into sleep apnea and from sleep apnea it may lead to death!

Posted in General, Sleep apnea, Snoring |

One Response

  1. Gideon George Says:

    Not all snorers have sleep apnea but most people suffering from sleep apnea are snorers. just be visiting this sites frequently in order to get some helpful tips on how to cure your snoring and sleep apnea

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