For most, this is a term that is not well known. There are a number of different reasons that you may have found yourself learning about this condition. You may have been recently diagnosed or know of someone that has been. Or, you may be wondering if you are having these episodes yourself. The fact is that many suffer from it or may be having the early symptoms of it and they may not even realize it. Although that is the case for many, it doesn’t have to be for you. Sleep apnea is a serious condition and should be taken with extremely seriously. In some cases it can be fatal if not recognized and treated. But, before you become overwhelmed with your own needs, take the time to learn more about this condition so that you can improve your situation.
Sleep apnea is actually a disorder that happens when you are sleeping. You may have heard it called sleep apnea as well. In either case, the end result is the same. It is characterized by the fact that you have pauses in your breathing while you are sleeping. When this happens the episodes are called apneas. This term actually means without breath. The seriousness of your condition is defined, at times, by how long these episodes actually last. For some, it is just one missed breath while for others it can be many more. The bottom line is that this happens many times while you are sleeping and that leads to all sorts of complications, as you can imagine.
There are actually two different types of sleep apnea that you may be experiencing. Central and Obstructive are the two differences. In Central, you will find that the problem is caused by a lack of effort by your body. With Obstructive sleep apnea, there is something that is blocking or obstructive your ability to breathe properly.
If you are experiencing problems with breathing and you think that you may have sleep apnea, there is help out there for you. The first thing to do is to educate your self and then seek out the help of a skilled doctor in the field. Testing can easily be done to help you to determine if this is something that is happening to you. In either case, it is necessary for you to find the solution to this problem as it can worsen.