Sleep Apnea And Snoring

By: Dale Smith

Of all the snoring related physical ailments, arguably the most
severe and ironically least understood is a condition called
Sleep Apnea. These two words should be emblazoned in the minds
of every snorer, and anyone who lives with or cares about the
safety and well being of a snorer.

The word apnea in the term sleep apnea derives from the Greek
term for absence of breathing. That, in a nutshell, gives a
sense of how dangerous sleep apnea can be; it literally refers
to a condition where breathing stops during sleep.

There are two types of sleep apnea:

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - This most common form of
apnea occurs when throat muscles relax.

2) Central Sleep Apnea - This form of apnea occurs when the
brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control
breathing.

Sleep apnea and snoring are directly linked because during
snoring the airway of the trachea is constantly subjected to
repetitive collapse and obstruction; in fact, it is that
collapse and obstruction that leads to the vibration that,
ultimately, manifests itself as audible snoring. Obstructive
Sleep Apnea thus occurs when, due to that continuous collapse of
the airway, breathing actually stops.

Although Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs two to three times as
often in older male adults, it can affect young or old, male or
female. Even children can have sleep apnea, a problem more
common than once thought.

Certain factors can put you more at risk of getting sleep apnea:

Obesity & excess weight (leading to an enlarged neck and
excess soft tissue in the trachea)

Enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils (airway can become
blocked when tonsils or adenoids are too large)

Sex and age (older men are more likely to suffer from
sleep apnea than women are)

Drinking alcohol (sedates the throat muscles and causes
them to collapse)

Cigarette smoking (which inflames the upper airway)

While death is obviously possible due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(and subsequent lack of breathing), there are many very serious
effects that, while not fatal, are most certainly severe.

Even when it is not fatal, Sleep apnea deprives the body of
essential oxygen; and hence, overall blood oxygen levels are
reduced and concurrently, carbon dioxide levels rise. This can
lead to toxic buildup that can cause heart disease, stroke, and
brain damage.

About the author:
Dale Smith is founder of http://www.stop-snoring-101.com and
author of the online guide "Stop Snoring Remedies &
Snoring Treatments". Visit his site for free information how
to stop snoring without surgery, using safe and proven stop
snoring remedies, aids, & treatments.