Snoring While A Sleep?
I have heard many people snore while working the night shift at the hospital. Some snore so……………….loud, I can hear them down the hallway. When they wake up and I confront them with their snoring I get - “Who me? I don’t snore.”
This is what most people think, who snore. It’s usually a spouse or friend or in this case a nurse that tells them that they snore loudly. Still these people usually don’t seek professional medical care. They think this is OK or normal.
It’s not normal. It can be a very serious condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition when soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes and blocks air passage. The blockage then leads to snoring and interrupts your breathing for 10 secs or greater. The person will then partially awaken as they struggle to breath - that’s when you may hear all those strange grunting or gasping sounds. The person doesn’t remember these occurrences in the morning.
Studies have showed that 2% - 5% of the population suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Twice as many men verses women have this disorder until women reach menopause. It also occurs in 1% - #3% of children between the ages of 2-5 years old.
Risk Factors
- Obesity - Body Mass Index of 30 or above
- Down’s Syndrome
- Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
- Neck Circumference of 17″ or more for men, 16″ or more for women
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Alcohol, Sleeping Pills, Narcotics, Benzodiazepines - these relax muscles or depress respirations
Symptoms in Adults
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Feeling as tired in the morning as when they went to sleep
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Morning Headaches
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Irritability
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Impaired Concentration and Memory
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Depression
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Impotence
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Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Symptoms In Children
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Hyperactivity
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Aggressive Behavior
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Do not experience daytime sleepiness
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Child asleep in sitting position
If you have any of these symptoms and have been told that you snore and quit breathing for a few seconds, then it’s time to see a doctor. Go and be evaluated and then you will find out if you have obstructive sleep apnea. The doctor will then tell you what are the treatment options.
Thanks for visiting my site. I hope this information was informative for you. Please come back and visit again. Next I will be giving you the information on possible treatments for this disorder.
Good Night to All,
Cheryl
Tags: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea, sleep apnea symptoms, sleeping disorders, snoring