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Sleep apnea syndrome is a condition where there is a reduction in breathing while one sleeps. Children seldom are diagnosed with this common syndrome although it is very common in adults. A diagnosis of sleep apnea is usually made based on a person’s medial history. If the doctor feels this is a likely diagnosis there are many tests that can be utilized to confirm the diagnosis.

This is a condition where breathing stops for 10 or more seconds. It also includes complete airflow stoppage, and a 4% drop in oxygen in the blood as a direct result of the stoppage of breathing. When apnea occurs during sleep it’s disruptive because breathing is inadequate.

With sleep apnea the person comes out of their deep sleep into a shallow sleep level. Apnea is measured while a person sleeps, and the severity is calculated by taking the number of apneas and then dividing it by the number of sleep hours to give the doctor the level of severity.

There are different types of apnea including central referred to as CSA, obstructive referred to as OSA, and a mix of both of these sleep apneas.

Central apnea happens when your brain isn’t able to send the necessary signal to muscles that are needed to breath. Obstructive apnea happens when your brain sends a message to the muscles and while the muscles attempt to breathe but they are not successful at doing so because the airway is obstructed preventing proper air flow.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Ironically most people suffering from this condition don’t even realize they have a problem. It’s believed there are as many as 15 million undiagnosed cases. There is a simple quiz that you can take to determine if you have sleep apnea syndrome. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions it’s likely you are suffering from this disease.

· Are you tired and/or groggy when you awake in the morning?

· Are you a habitual snorer?

· Are you a loud snorer?

· Are you sleepy during the day?

· Are you overweight?

· Do you find yourself gasping for air while you sleep or choking while you sleep?

This syndrome can also cause problems with your memory, headaches, and in the most serious cases strokes, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. If you believe you may be suffering from this conditions it is important that you see your doctor. Sleep apnea syndrome can be serious so don’t wait!