Sleep Apnea presents itself as a disorder that is characterized by pauses or extremely low breathing while sleeping.
The disorder can go unrecognized for long periods of time.
However, there are symptoms that are indicators of a person suffering from this disorder.
To treat the sleep disorder, it has to be diagnosed.
The major symptoms common with individuals suffering from the disorder include loud snoring, which extends over long periods of time, gasping for air, choking or snorting during sleep, paused breathing and the excessive desire to sleep during the day.
An individual may be able to determine if he is suffering from sleep Apnea if he gets constant disturbed during sleep, experience morning headaches, wake up short of breath or wake up several times in a night and always finds it difficult to concentrate.
It is wise to get medical advise if you have one or a number of the symptoms.
The main way of treating this disorder is by effecting changes in the lifestyle of the person affected.
Weight is a one of the causes of this disorder.
Obese people have minimal muscle tone around the airways, which can easily lead to the rise of this disorder.
Smokers are advised to quit the habit since the inflammation of throat a common characteristic with smokers is a cause of this disease.
Sleeping pills, sedatives and alcohol are a no-no for people suffering from this disorder.
This is because these substances tend to cause the throat muscles to relax and this changes a person's breathing patterns.
It is recommended that individuals suffering from this disorder should sleep on their sides as opposed to their backs.
Medical treatments for sleep apnea include the use of a Continuous Positive Airflow device, which provides air supply to the user through an air mask.
The severest apnea conditions are usually treated by surgery to correct the breathing system, in the event of collapsed breathing systems.