A good sleep can go haywire if the person lying next to you snores loudly, making a feel of drums rolling down. That sounds funny, but looking at the causes may be scary. Proper sleep is much needed amidst a busy schedule and will help rejuvenate the body.
However, many people complain about less sleep, with issues like sleep apnea becoming common these days. Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. On certain occasions, there have been reports of pauses of 10 seconds while breathing, leading to gasping and choking.
Causes
Many people snore, and the primary causes may be throat infections, blocked noses, seasonal colds, etc. Also, people suffering from obesity under the influence of alcohol may develop sleep apnea over time. Males are more prone to sleep apnea; a narrow air passage among people having a particular neck circumference, excessive smoking, etc., are likely causes of sleep apnea. Excessive daytime sleeping, morning headaches, etc., are other symptoms.
Sleep apnea, if left untreated, may bring about stroke and shorten life expectancy, including diabetes and liver issues.
Types
There are three major types of sleep apnea: complex sleep apnea syndrome,obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
The most common type is
Obstructive sleep apnea . In this condition, the airways find it difficult to function normally during sleep. This is due to soft tissues at the back of the throat collapsing. The diaphragm and chest also face difficulty operating the airways properly. As a result, the body jerks while breathing, leading to abnormal heart rhythms and a lack of proper oxygen supply to vital organs.
In the case of central sleep apnea, the central nervous system plays a significant role, and people who have had stroke, heart, kidney, and lung diseases are most likely to be affected by this form of sleep apnea.
The complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Measures
Sleep apnea may resolve over time if one can manage obesity; however, it is likely to return once overweight issues are highlighted. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, is recommended. Lifestyle changes, quitting smoking, and less alcohol and caffeine intake will bring much-needed relief. Apart from this, sleeping sideways can benefit many; however, medical investigation is needed in severe cases. Some research suggests proper Vitamin D intake to let off the crisis.
Focus
Sleeping patterns vary from person to person, and not getting proper sleep takes a toll on one’s physical and mental health. With medical innovations on the horizon, diseases like sleep apnea can be prevented if specific lifestyle changes can be made, keeping in mind to approach a medical professional in case of severity.
