)
+ Normal Breathing
Medical Conditions
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is characterised by frequent and brief periods when breathing stops during sleep. The most common form of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Sleep Apnea has a high frequency in the stroke population, with as many as 65% of stroke patients affected.
Normally during sleep the muscles which control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open. If these muscles relax, the airway becomes narrower, which causes snoring and breathing difficulties. If these muscles relax too much, the airway can become completely blocked, preventing breathing.
)
+ Breathing difficulties
This is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Once the airway has closed, the brain realizes there is a lack of oxygen and alerts the body to wake up. Though the sufferer is often not aware of it, this cycle can occur several hundred times during the night severely disrupting sleep.
Indicators of Sleep Apnea
Excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, apneas or irregular breathing during sleep, impaired concentration, impaired memory, morning headaches, sexual dysfunction, irritability.
Consequences
)
+ Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to High blood pressure, serious heart conditions, stroke, depression, impotence, intellectual deterioration.
If you have any of the above symptoms please consult your Doctor for a Sleep Apeona test. Daniels Surgical hire and sell CPAP machines that help treat Sleep Apeona with a referral from your Doctor or Sleep Laboratory.
