Sunday, December 2, 2012

Sleep Apnea Causes And Cures

By Ruth Z. Parsley


Sleep apnea is actually a rather frequent condition that can have severe complications. The disorder is more widespread in males, as it affects 1 out every single 25 middle-aged males and 1 woman out of 50. The condition is characterized by recurrent, prolonged episodes of cessation of breathing that occur throughout sleep. These episodes usually last for about 10 seconds as well as a common sleep apnea sufferer could expertise up to 20 to 30 of these episodes per hour. The causes of this condition are many. Here are the main Sleep Apnea Causes:

Obesity

Those who are obese or overweight have an elevated risk of suffering from sleep apnea. In reality, a lot of studies show that about 70% of obese folks suffer from this disorder. This happens since excess body fat, specially on the neck and chest, may constrict the lungs and also the airway passages. For this reason, weight reduction can cause a comparable reduction within the severity of the symptoms of this sleeping disorder and may also enhance renal function and hypertension. Medical studies have demonstrated that losing as little as 10 percent of one's weight can allow you to minimize the severity of sleep apnea by a lot more than 50 percent.

Excessive sitting or standing

A recent study found that sitting or standing for a lot of hours throughout the day could cause a fluid shift in the legs, which may possibly play a role in the development of this sleeping disorder. Based on Dr. T. Douglas Bradley, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, when folks get to sleep, the fluid that has been retained inside the legs shifts towards the upper body and may possibly cause upper airway constriction. This discovery could clarify why a substantial percentage of folks with obstructive sleep apnea aren't obese. This indicates that a sedentary life style is really a key danger factor of sleep apnea and workout can assist to reduce the symptoms of this disorder, even if it doesn't result in fat loss.

Anatomical issues

The anatomical structure of the head and neck may lead to a tiny airway size. In fact, a neck circumference higher than 17 inches can boost the threat of suffering from this condition. Additionally, having a deviated septum, which causes 1 nostril to be narrower than the other, may also lead to breathing troubles. This condition might be caused by a birth defect or an injury to the nose. Naturally large or inflamed tonsils may also be a sleep apnea cause.

Acid Reflux and GERD

GERD is one more feasible trigger of sleep apnea. In GERD, the stomach acids that reach the esophagus can cause scarring and tissue harm inside the throat, which may possibly result in obstructions that result in sleep apnea.

Way of life elements

Habitual smokers are much more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to non-smokers. Moreover, the excessive consumption of alcohol can result in the over-relaxation of the breathing muscles causing loud snoring.

Heredity

Having a family history of sleep apnea increases your risk by up to 4 occasions compared towards the typical person.

Advanced Age

It appears that the risk of creating this sleeping disorder, is drastically elevated right after the age of 65.




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