Sleep Apnea and Snoring

What is Sleep Apnea?

There are two different types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea is where there is a physical blockage of the airway (an obstruction) from either enlarged anatomy (like tonsils, or a large tongue), a collapse of the airway (nasal passages, back of the mouth or throat), or both.
   
2. Central sleep apnea is where the brain tells the lungs not to breathe. Both can cause cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, stroke, and even death.

Both kinds of sleep apnea can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Snoring
• Observed pauses in breathing or snoring
• Morning headaches
• Morning dry mouth
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Night sweats
• High blood pressure
• Nighttime heartburn
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Memory problems
• Unusual irritability
• Swollen legs and feet

If you have more than two or three of these symptoms, you should contact your physician immediately and ask if you should have an evaluation for sleep apnea.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

There are several types of treatments for sleep apnea, from machines that help you breathe all night long, to mouthpieces, to surgery. But only your physician or a certified sleep specialist will be able to tell you which treatment is right for you.

If you think you have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor about seeing a sleep specialist or visit http://www.sleepcenters.org/ to find a sleep center near you.

For more information on sleep apnea, visit:
o    The American Sleep Apnea Association at www.sleepapnea.org
o    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine at www.sleepeducation.com