Sleep apnea disorder is a disturbance in sleep, due to an abnormal breathing pattern.This is caused by missed breaths in the breathing cycle during sleep, which can be due to an upper airway obstruction in either the upper airway passages and/or nasal passages. Occasionally, a result of sleep apnea may be due to the construction of the jaw and the airway passages, as well.

Sleep Apnea is a dangerous condition and can be life threatening. Knowing the symptoms can help save your life from heart attack, stroke, impotence, irregular heart beats, high blood pressure and heart disease. Aside from the medically diagnosed conditions, irregular sleep, lack of sleep or sleep apnea can interfere in your personal life in such ways as accidents, resulting from lack of sleep, emotional and interpersonal relationships, and unproductive behavior.

Signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea include:

• Frequent episodes of sleepiness during the day
• Cessations of breathing. This is usually recognized by the bed partner
• Loud snoring
• Headaches when rising
• Disruptive sleep
• Dry mouth upon wakening
• In young children chest retraction during sleep
• High blood pressure
• Rapid weight gain/overweight
• Irritability, anxious, depression, changes in personality.
• Attention span may be weak, with a difficulty concentrating
• Perspiring excessively during sleep
• Heartburn may occur
• A reduction in libido
• Frequent episodes of not being able to sleep or insomnia
• Nocturnal, frequent urination
• A restless sleep
• Excessive perspiring during sleep
• Nocturnal snorting, gasping or choking
• Confusion upon wakening

Immediate medical attention is mandatory as sleep apnea is life threatening, and only gets worse with time.

Treatments vary depending on the degree of the apnea. Although in mild cases, treatment normally involves behavioral changes, such as diet, quitting smoking, sleeping on your side and/or an oral mouth device which will aid in keeping the air passages clear. In moderate to severe cases, the most effective means of treating the disorder is through a sleep apnea machine, also known as CPAP. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), discussed in 1981 by Colin Sullivan and associates in Sydney, Australia, and perfected by the late 1980's, is typically used to treat moderate to severe cases. This machine is responsible for blowing air into the patient's nose through a nose mask, thus keeping the airway free of obstruction. This machine is normally about the size of a shoebox. The patient wears a mask which connects to the machine via a flexible tube. The machine pumps the air through the tube into the nose mask at a pressure strong enough to prevent apneas to form. It is a medical device which physicians use for their patients with both obstructive and central sleep apnea. All units must be prescribed by your doctor and all units must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

CPAP machines have been the most effective way to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Patients benefit from the machines tremendously, as within a few a minutes of reaching the correct CPAP pressure necessary for maintaining an open airway, the patient typically goes into a deep sleep. This is much the case for the first week or so. Dramatic changes begin to occur during this time. Most patients report becoming more alert and more productive after just a few days on the machine.

CPAP is an extremely safe and effective treatment that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is prescribed through your physician.