Obstructive sleep apnoea is an airway blockage during sleep. Central sleep apnoea is a disorder where the brain does not send correct signals to the muscles that control your breathing during sleep. This results in you stopping breathing or taking large amounts of breaths during sleep. Snoring can be caused by obstructive sleep apnea and most people do not realize they have it until it manifests itself. Central sleep apnoea can be caused by high altitudes or by multiple sclerosis. Treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea can include using a CPAP machine to help with breathing at night, or by addressing existing medical conditions.
Risk Factors A large number of people are affected by obstructive sleep apnea but don’t even realize it. Here are the factors you need to know about and how they can affect you. You are more likely to develop the condition if you are male and overweight. Obstructive sleep apnoea is more common in people who are overweight and male. If you have a thick neck, you are more likely to have the condition than someone with a thin neck.
Complications If you already have obstructive sleep apnea you are at risk for several complications. The risk factors for having an increased risk of stroke and heart attack are higher for adults than children. Women are more likely than men to have cardiac problems and risk heart attack as they get older. The symptoms of a heart attack are similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea and both conditions are similar enough to share some risk factors.
Some of the medical conditions that can cause the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and restless sleep are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, high blood sugar, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes, neurological problems, hyperthyroidism, obesity, and loud, intermittent snoring. These medical conditions can make you more susceptible to the symptoms of OSA. If you are taking any of the medications listed above or are taking sedatives you should check with your primary care physician before starting any new medications. Some of the side effects of sedatives include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, decreased libido, and weight gain.
Sleep Disruption Many people do not experience the benefits of untreated obstructive sleep apnea until they are much older. Some people find that untreated sleep apneic can lead to serious health problems like obstructive kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and cognitive impairment. It is important that if you are not experiencing the obvious signs and symptoms of panic that you contact your primary care physician right away. Some signs of the disease may go unnoticed because they are the product of natural sleep disruption. However, other common signs of OSA include morning grogginess, headache, dry mouth, feeling sleepy or drowsy, difficulty waking or falling asleep, or choking during sleep, and periods of wakefulness. Older adults are particularly prone to the occurrence of these symptoms and it is imperative that they seek medical attention if these symptoms persist.
Symptoms Of Tonsillitis One of the first symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea for older adults is tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a painful inflammation of the tonsils, which can cause bad breath, sore throat, and earaches. There are several symptoms associated with tonsillitis including fever, swollen tonsils, a whitehead, or yellowish neck. This condition usually affects children but can also affect adults as well. This is especially common in males who have tonsils that are enlarged.
Complications Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea While sleep apnoea is most common with the elderly, it can also lead to serious cardiovascular problems like heart failure. Heart failure is one of the most common complications of obstructive sleep apnea and it occurs when the arteries of the heart become constricted or narrow. As a result, there is an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. If left untreated, the complications of obstructive sleep apnea can lead to heart failure.
Other complications The most common complications of obstructive sleep apnea include high blood pressure, stroke, an abnormal heart rhythm, and an irregular heartbeat. High blood pressure is linked to high-stress levels and can lead to cardiovascular problems. Stroke can lead to aortic aneurysms and even death. An irregular heartbeat can lead to shortness of breath, fainting, and dizziness. Abnormal heart rhythms are linked to complications such as heart failure and these complications can also be life-threatening.