The Old Man is Snoring...

It's raining, it's pouring
The old man is snoring,
He went to bed and he bumped his head,
And couldn't get up in the morning.

The reason the old man couldn't get up in the morning wasn't because he hit his head, it was because of his snoring!

Sleep apnea is reported to effect more than 18 million American adults, and 1-10% of children.


What Is Sleep Apnea?
Acording to MedicineNet sleep apnea is defined as 'the temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep, often resulting in daytime sleepiness."

The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath."

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency and headaches.  Other effects attributed to sleep apnea are a compromised immune system, poor mental and emotional health, and irritability.  Women with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from depression or hypothyroidism (see our 10/11/09 post).

Children can suffer with learning disabilities, behavioral problems, cardiovascular events and even dimished growth.

Types of Apnea
Obstructive - caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat closes during sleep.  Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is the most common type of apnea,  and tends to run in families.

Central - the airway isn't blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.  This apena may be attributed to stroke, brain tumor, a viral brain infection, or chronic respiratory disease.  Those with CSA seldom snore.

Warning Signs of Anea

• Frequent silences during sleep
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Loud snoring
• Sudden awakenings
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches

Key Risk Factors

• Male (women are affected as well)
• Over 40 years of age
• Being overweight or obese (however, 50% of people with sleep apnea are not obese)
• Large tonsils or adenoids
• Deviated septum
• Enlarged tongue
• Receding  chin
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Throat muscles and tongue that relax more than normal during sleep

It's important to remember that while these are the key risk factors for sleep apnea, anyone at any age can be struck with sleep apnea. Unfortunately, because the symptoms reported by women are not typical, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed. It's believed that at least 4% of women suffer from sleep apnea.
Snoring is a progressive disorder. So a snore that's light or occasional now will probably become more intense as time passes.

Should I Have a Sleep Study?
The simple answer is yes, if you experience several of the warning signs above.  If you're not sure, ask your family or close friends - if you snore loudly or gasp for breath during sleep, they will know and will be more than happy to share that information with you.

A sleep study is painless.  Electrodes are attached to varius places on your scalp, forehead and beside your eyes, your breathing will be monitored, muscle activity, oxygen saturation and snoring are recorded.  The you go to sleep and the recording of the data begins.

The data is then reviewed and a determination is made whether or not you have sleep apnea.  If so, the a prescription is written for a CPAP.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure.  CPAP therapy uses a machine to help a person with OSA breathe easier during sleep.  The machine increases the air pressure in your throat so that it does not collapse when you breathe in. 

If you snore, if your spouse or significant other has banished you to the guest room because of your snoring, talk with your Doctor about scheduling a sleep study.  Life is too precious to ignore the potentially life threathening possibilities of sleep apnea.

Those with OSA have an increased risk of having a heart attack during the sleep hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. - don't end up a statistic...

ree'J