Apnea, the Greek word literally means without breath. The Blockage of the air passage while sleeping is Sleep Apnea. A huge percentage of the population irrespective of age are victims of Sleep Apnea.

A person with Sleep Apnea often wakes up to regain the rhythm of breathing. This life threatening disorder should be brought under control through treatment.

In this article we aim to cover the basics to enable a sufferer or someone unsure of whether they have the condition to get the basic information prior to seeking professional help.

Know more about Sleep Apnea:

· It is a life threatening disorder

· It is a progressive disorder

· Successful treatment is possible

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

· Regular blockage of air passage

· Loud snoring

· Frequent break down of sleep to normalize breathing

· Sweating during night

· Dry mouth, sore throat

· Sleepiness during day time

· Lethargy

· Loss of memory

· Morning fatigue when waking

· Change in personality

· Depression

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Diagnosis can primarily be done with the help of a partner or friend when you are asleep. An audio record of your sleep or a report of interruption in sleep can be made by him/her. This can be handed over to a specialist or a doctor for the start of the diagnosis procedure.

Preferable methods of diagnosis for Sleep Apnea are:

· Physical examination of mouth and nose

· X-ray, CT Scan of head and neck

· Endoscopy of nose and throat

· Overnight sleep study in a sleep clinic

In the sleep clinic

In most instances a Polysomnography test is conducted in the sleep clinic for the diagnosis of Sleep Apnea. It records: -

· Respiratory effects

· Eye movements

· Air flow

· Heart rate

· Muscle movement

· Electrical impulse of brain

· Blood pressure while sleeping

There are three types of Sleep Apnea - central, mixed and obstructive. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common. Most of the affected people are not aware that they even have the condition

Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is characterized by a blockage of air passage through the nose and mouth. Reduction of oxygen supply and the uneven structure of the jaw are some of the main reasons for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Central Sleep Apnea or CSA is less seen as a respiratory disorder. It is often characterized by the delayed message for breath from the brain. Any defect in the central nervous system can be the major cause of this type of Sleep Apnea.

Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combined disorder of both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

· Excessive use of alcohol or any other sedatives before sleep

· Nasal problems

· Hereditary

· Gender- being male

· Obesity

· Hypothyroidism

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

· Mechanical or Physical Therapy or treatment

· Behavioral Treatment

Sleep Apnea disorder is very common now. It can be positively treated using various clinical procedures and Sleep Apnea Machines.

Again it is vital to ensure your condition is properly diagnosed by a qualified professional who will be able to advise on the best methods of treatment.