Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by symptoms such as a reduction or cessation (pause of breathing, airflow) during sleep. It is common among adults but rare among children. There are two types of sleep apnea, the more common obstructive sleep apnea and the less common central sleep apnea, both of which will be described later in this article.

An apnea is a period of time during which breathing stops or is markedly reduced. In simplified terms, an apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more. So, if normal breath airflow is 70% to 100%, an apnea is if you stop breathing completely, or take less than 25% of a normal breath (for a period that lasts 10 seconds or more). This definition includes complete stoppage of airflow.

Editors Note: Learn more about to avoid useless sleep apnea devices and how music can help with Sleep Apnea Treatment and has no side effects.

Some common sense tips on Sleep Apnea Treatment

Avoid sleeping on your back (To help with this, wear a T-shirt to bed that has a tennis ball sewn into the back of it. You will be less likely to sleep on your back.)
Use pillows to keep the head elevated.
Normalize your weight. Weight loss may help in the treatment of sleep apnea. Even partial weight loss may improve breathing during sleep, making sleep more restful and lessening daytime sleepiness.

Avoid alcohol within four hours of bed- time. Alcohol depresses breathing and makes sleep apnea episodes more frequent and severe. Alcohol also appears to trigger sleep apnea in people who would otherwise merely snore.

Avoid sleeping pills. Sleeping pills depress breathing, relax the muscles of the throat, and generally make sleep apnea worse. Seek out a healthcare professional's advice if you use sleeping pills and have sleep apnea.

Take all drugs with care. Medications prescribed for headaches, anxiety, and other common problems can affect sleep and breathing.

Medications to relieve congestion of the nose may be helpful in reducing snoring and the likelihood of sleep apnea episodes. Usually treatment of sleep apnea solely by improving nasal airflow does not solve loud snoring or significant breathing episodes.

Other research on causes of Sleep Apnea have shown that decreased serotonin levels can lead to sleep apnea. The nerves that control breathing require an adequate supply of serotonin. Also, serotonin receptors control the release of hormones such as cortisol. One role of cortisol is to help control the muscles needed for breathing. It was further suggested that the disturbed breathing in sleep apnea is a result of a malfunction in the serotonin system. Scientists have concluded that, the use of serotonin precursors such as 5-HTP may be of value for people suffering from sleep apnea.

And depending on the severity of your sleep apnea you may need to use one of the sleep apnea devices such as a CPAP.

Editors Note: Learn more about to avoid useless sleep apnea devices and how music can help with Sleep Apnea Treatment and has no side effects.

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Important Note: You should consult your doctor if you have concerns over your health,
and the information on this site is not medical advice, and is for information purposes only.