Sleep Apnea And Insomnia

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Sleep disorders affect millions of people. Sleep Apnea and Insomnia are two such conditions.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly. Experts have estimated that 18 million Americans are affected by sleep apnea. There are three main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form that occurs when throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not send proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing and Complex sleep apnea syndrome, a combination of both obstructive and central sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, dry mouth, morning headaches, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, …show more content…

Nocturnal polysomnography involves using equipment that monitors the heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, movement of arm and leg, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. A doctor may also provide a simplified test that can be used at home. These tests involve measuring heart rate, blood oxygen, and breathing patterns. The test results will show drops in oxygen levels during apneas. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea may be referred you to an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine if there is a blockage in the nose or throat. For milder cases, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting …show more content…

Causes include stress, illness, emotional or physical discomfort, environmental issues (noise, light, or extreme temperatures), use of certain medications, and disruptions in the normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift). ("Insomnia Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic," 2017).
People who suffer from insomnia will exhibit symptoms such as, sleepiness during the day, general tiredness, irritability, and problems with concentration or memory. Women over the age of 60 have a greater risk due to hormonal shift associated with menopause and changes in sleep patterns that occur with age. Other risk factors include mental and physical health conditions, extended severe stress situations, lack of a regular schedule.
Sleep hygiene and stimulus control are non-medical treatments for insomnia that includes simple steps that may improve

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