Most people do not understand that sleep apnea can affect their breathing and cause the person to stop breathing for several minutes. When this happens, there is a risk of death. The long duration of the pauses can cause sleep deprivation and other problems. It is important to seek treatment when you notice a sleep disorder.
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. The person with this condition has an obstructed airway and stops breathing during the sleep cycle. This condition is usually not dangerous. However, the person who experiences this condition might suffer from mood changes and depression. A person with this disorder is at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated in a variety of ways. Your doctor can diagnose this disorder and give you treatments that are right for your condition. For some patients, lifestyle changes may be needed to treat the problem. For example, a change in sleeping position may be the answer to sleep apnea.
If you are experiencing sleep apnea, you need to see your doctor. He or she will help you determine if this is something you have and will begin monitoring your breathing. It may be wise to see a specialist to rule out any more serious conditions. A diagnosis of sleep apnea is generally a routine process for the doctor.
While the condition may be fairly common, it can be difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will typically use a device called an oral workup to assess your breathing. The physician may use the device to record your sleeping position, the position of the tongue, as well as the breathing patterns. Blood work, muscle tests, and even chest x-rays can also be used to rule out more serious conditions.
There are many symptoms that can be related to sleep apnea. Some of these symptoms include daytime sleepiness, bouts of morning drowsiness, excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, frequent wake-ups during the night, snoring, and others. Many patients experience these symptoms at one time or another in their life.
Many people with sleep apnea tend to have trouble falling asleep. They may feel tired during the day and also stay up late on a regular basis. These types of people need a solution. A person who has sleep apnea needs to find a way to get the sleep they need. If they find a treatment that works for them, they can begin using it regularly.
Lifestyle changes are often the best option for some people. A doctor may prescribe a form of sleeping pill that can help. In addition, certain anti-depressants and tranquilizers may help to decrease the chances of the disorder returning. In some cases, prescription sleep aids may be used to help get people to sleep more soundly.
Some medications used to treat sleep apnea include Lamictal, Duloxetine, Tramadol, Azapiro, Alper/Luvanti, Lortab, and Celebrex. You should never take more than one type of medication at a time because this can sometimes cause some unwanted side effects. A doctor will generally prescribe a sleep aid that is most effective for the patient.
Side effects of the medications can vary. Some patients may find mild sedation to be present after taking these medications. Since sleep apnea does not cause pain, sedation is not dangerous. If you notice any mild side effects, you should discuss them with your doctor. Symptoms such as the dry mouth and difficulty swallowing may be present, but they are not usually serious. There are many ways to treat sleep apnea. An individual treatment is tailored to the severity of the sleep disorder. In addition, the physician might also recommend lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques to help patients feel better and keep their body healthier. If the sleep apnea does not improve after these changes, the doctor may consider other types of treatments to help him, or her manages the disorder.
