Will Gasping For Air Prevent You From Getting Quality Sleep?

Sleep apnea is a fairly common condition among adults. Men and women both suffer from this disorder. This medical ailment should not be ignored; if left untreated a decline in health is inevitable. Before treatment is received, sleep cycles are disrupted, energy levels drop throughout the day, and irritable moods tend to become more frequent.

Sleep apnea happens for a few different reasons. One explanation includes the brain not properly communicating with the muscles responsible for the act of breathing. Pauses in breathing can occur, sometimes resulting in gasps for air or even choking. An obstructed or collapsed airway is another cause of this condition. In either case, it is common for the inflicted to wake-up multiple times throughout the night or regular rest period.

A qualified physician will be able to pinpoint the exact cause. It is normal protocol for a sleep study to be conducted to document exactly what happens when the person is sleeping. Once diagnosed, the patient may be required to use a CPAP machine or sleep apnea machine. CPAP is an abbreviation for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

The CPAP is the most widely used treatment for common sleep apnea. This CPAP works by producing a non-stop pressurized air stream which helps the airway to remain open during sleep.The CPAP machine is a device that is used at home only during the hours the patient is sleeping. Many patient's have been helped by using this machine. However, as with all products, complaints have been made about this breathing aid. The most common complaint is the size of the mask that needs to be worn at night. Some people have said they feel like the fiction character Darth Vader (Star Wars) when they are wearing it. The mask covers the mouth and the nose which can feel restrictive and unnatural.

Other side effects associated with the mask include skin irritations, dry nasal passages, stuffy nose, and occasionally claustrophobia. User's have been known to attach a humidifier to the CPAP machine to counteract stuffy noses and dry nasal membranes. Some people also discover that they develop a dry mouth from sleeping with their mouth open. A chin strap may be used to help solve this problem. Other options include dry mouth toothpaste and mouthwashes that are developed to keep the mouth lubricated with natural enzymes. Biotene makes a highly regarded toothpaste and mouth wash for dry mouth.

On rare occasions surgery may be prescribed for those who suffer with this disorder. Surgery is usually relied upon only after seeing that the CPAP and other potential treatments offer no results. Sleep apnea is a condition that merits attention as leaving it untreated can lead to diabetes and heart attack in some patients. Using a CPAP machine is a much better alternative than developing additional health problems due to ignoring the problem.