General Health Information

Having heard of sleep apnea? If not you may not be updated of this
silent epidemic among respiratory patients. This chronic condition is
affecting thousands of new patients each day. The simpler description
of this illness is a constant state of waking during the night due to
respiratory issues. There are all kinds of sleep aids
for apnea patients. Some involve a special mask, while other medical
care professionals treat it with medication. Even if the patient
doesn’t become fully awake, the REM sleep is affected and they are left
feeling lethargic and tired.

The study suggested that there is a growing accumulation of evidence that points to the clear fact that hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea go hand-in-hand. That half of the patients who had obstructive sleep apnea, had hypertension as well. Also those that had hypertension, reportedly were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Read the rest of: Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertention

Among the various sleep disorders, one of the most dangerous is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when in the airway collapses during sleep. The condition can actually cause the sufferer to stop breathing in their sleep. This can bring about other complications, such as high blood pressure and heart problems. In cases of severe OSA, the person afflicted can stop breathing as many as 120 times during the night.

In the United States alone, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million people. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most frequent manifestation of this problem, affecting approximately 2% of women and 4% of men over the age of 35. The chief cause of sleep apnea is excessive weight gain. Other factors include age, alcohol abuse, sedative drugs, nasal congestion and smoking.

A number of treatment alternatives are available, including weight reduction, positional therapy, surgery and oral appliances worn while sleeping. While obstructive sleep apnea can be fatal, it is easily treated. And those suffering from it can find a way to lead a normal life.