People who suffer from this condition actually stop breathing for ten seconds or longer while they are asleep. Severe cases may cause many interruptions of the inhalation-exhalation cycle every minute. Deep, restful slumber is impossible under these conditions, and a sufferer gradually gets more fatigued, may be sleepy during the day, and can find daily tasks difficult. Those afflicted may become aggressive, or merely irritable, and may develop depression.
A small number of cases of apnea are caused by brain malfunction, but most are throat and airway blockages. The last is 'obstructive' and can be treated with oral appliances as a first response. This use of a device that fits over the teeth is recommended by sleep therapy professionals.
One major cause of airway obstruction when reclining is obesity. Grossly overweight people often have many health concerns, including breathing problems, which are aggravated by disrupted sleep. Excess weight and a lack of muscle tone cause the soft tissue that lines the airways to collapse upon itself, cutting off normal breathing. Weight loss and supervised exercise are recommended as part of the treatment, as well as stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol.
This abnormality can also be caused by narcotic painkillers or other pharmaceutical drugs. Serious illnesses including heart disease are made worse when normal sleeping patterns are disrupted. Studies show that different parts of the brain can be affected, which makes the symptoms different in each person afflicted. Some will have difficulty concentrating or performing familiar tasks, others may suffer memory loss.
Dental devices are mouthpieces that fit over the teeth and advance the lower jaw. This is done gradually, with adjustments to the mouthpiece, until the prescribed adjustment is achieved. The devices are made so the patient can do the adjustments; this minimizes discomfort. The advancement of the lower jaw keeps upper airways open. There are many different devices on the market. It's informative to go online and look at the options, materials used, and guarantees offered by manufacturers.
People who stop breathing during slumber rarely know that they do so. Other people in the household often tell them of the problem, which is both noisy and frightening to listen to. Special clinics monitor people during the night to chart their breathing and make a definitive diagnosis. Clinics can also help judge the effectiveness of treatment.
Dental appliances for sleep apnea can be found online under the name of this disorder and also under 'help with snoring'. Not getting enough sleep is a problem in its own right, but it worsens other conditions as well. Those who suspect they suffer from this disorder should seek medical help. The use of a mouthpiece is often the first step in treatment. Lifestyle changes will make any health restoring program more effective.
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