What is sleep apnea?

Millions of Americans suffer from some form of apnea and do not even know it. Others are quite aware that something is wrong. But how do you determine if you have this sleep disorder or not? And if you do have it, are there any natural treatments for available?

Sleep apnea is a condition that you may not even know that you have. If you sleep alone, or are married to someone who is a deep sleeper, the most obvious symptom (snoring) may go on unnoticed. Even if you, or someone else, is aware that you snore, this does not mean that you have this condition.

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Typically this condition occurs as a result of the tissues of the soft palate, tonsils, throat and tongue relaxing during the night. As these tissues relax, the air passages become obstructed, which tends to limit the amount of oxygen that gets into the blood stream. As the muscles in the throat relax the patient may begin to snore loudly. It is important to note once again that you can have obstructive sleep apnea and not snore.

As the oxygen in your bloodstream is depleted, your brain begins to take action. Often this results in your brain shocking your lungs into expelling air rapidly in order to clear the obstruction. With many obstructive sleep apnea patients, this can occur hundreds of times each night.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

As with any sleep disorder, numerous symptoms are prevalent in almost all cases. Here is a quick list of the major symptoms:

  • Excess Daytime Sleepiness
  • Loud Snoring
  • The Sensation of Chocking While Sleeping
  • Waking Up With Headaches
  • Waking Up Feeling Completely Unrefreshed

If you experience these symptoms, please consult with your doctor. There are numerous treatments available that have proven to be highly effective and can improve the quality of your life tremendously. Getting a full night’s rest is something that can be achieved once you know how to properly manage this condition.

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