Sleep apnea is an ongoing conditions affecting many people. Those that suffer from sleep apnea often suffer from attacks three or more nights each week. When a person suffers from sleep apnea, their sleeping patterns are altered. They will often move from a natural sleep to a lighter sleep in which their breathing is shallow and varied. Sometimes this person will temporarily stop breathing and then choke and snort for air.

In many cases, breathing stops for periods of time, until the sufferer wildly chokes and gasps for air. This can cause an adrenaline surge with makes it even harder for the body to get rested. Sleep apnea is one of the primary causes of excessive daytime tiredness. In fact, suffering form sleep apnea for long periods of time can put one at risk while operating heavy machinery or even driving a car. It is essential to get symptoms under control as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, this disorder often goes undiagnosed for long periods to time. This is because symptoms aren’t obvious to the sufferer or his doctor. Sleep apnea doesn’t show up on any blood tests or other tests your doctor can give you. Indeed, the most common way of finding out you are suffering from sleep apnea is through your bed partner. Often a person’s spouse is kept awake by the loud snoring and choking sounds. If your spouse complains to you about these problems then see your doctor right away.

Sleep apnea is quite common. The US has more than twelve million adults suffering from it. There is a link between this sleep disorder and obesity. Once study found that half of all sufferers were overweight. Being overweight makes it more difficult for the body to keep the airway open throughout the night.

Race is also linked to sleep apnea prevalence. Certain races seem more likely to develop the disorder. People of African, Hispanic, or Pacific Island decent are at a greater risk. Of course not matter your race, obesity seems to be the most striking indicator. Sometimes the disorder can be hereditary too. If others in your family suffer from sleep apnea, then you the chance that you will develop it is increased.

Sleep apnea comes in several different forms. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. This is the result of the airway being blocked or of the airway collapsing during sleep. This makes it difficult to get enough oxygen. Breathing becomes much shallower or stops altogether. Often loud snoring is the result or choking for air. Obstructive sleep apnea is heavily linked with obesity. However, anyone could develop the condition.

Central sleep apnea is another variety. This form is much less common and is the result of the brain misfiring. The signals sent to the muscles used in breathing are faulty. This results in similar symptoms, but the cause is different.

Luckily there are a host of available treatments for sleep apnea. Some involve the use of mouthpieces or face masks to facilitate breathing. Many involve lifestyle changes: giving up smoking, drinking, or losing weight. Indeed, maintaining a healthy weight is perhaps the single most effective way of reducing your sleep apnea symptoms. Your doctor can help you find the most appropriate treatment.

You can find plenty of information about sleep apnea on the internet. For additional information take a look at this site on sleep apnea.