WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
If you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more at least 5
times each hour during sleep, you have sleep apnea. The
condition is also called obstructive sleep apnea. It is
particularly common in people who are
overweight.
Causes
When you sleep, the muscles of your upper throat and
mouth relax. Sleep apnea may occur if these relaxed muscles,
the tongue, or large tonsils block your throat and make
breathing difficult. Often, however, doctors can't pinpoint the
exact cause.
Signs/Symptoms
If something blocks the back of your throat as you sleep,
you may start choking and wake up. For this reason, many people
with this problem sleep in cycles: drowsiness, sleep, choking,
startled awakening, drowsiness, sleep, and so on. Because their
sleep is constantly interrupted, they are often drowsy
throughout the day.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
If sleep apnea happens only
when you sleep on your back, sew a ping pong or tennis ball
to the back of your pajamas. This will force you to sleep
on your side.
-
Your doctor may recommend a
special dental device to keep your mouth closed when you
sleep. This will keep your tongue from falling to the back
of your throat.
-
Continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP) may be helpful. In this treatment, you wear
a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep. A small
machine forces air through the mask, keeping your throat
open so you can breathe.
-
Do not use drugs such as
sedatives, hypnotics, barbiturates, and narcotics. They
provide only temporary relief, and can be
addictive.
-
Limit your intake of alcohol,
or don't use it at all.
-
If you are overweight, work
with your doctor on a weight-loss plan.
-
If nothing else works,
surgery may be needed. First, however, you'll probably need
a stay in the hospital for tests.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
When someone with sleep apnea
develops blue lips or nail beds, wake him or her
immediately. If you can't, call 911.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment
during your stay.
-
Sleep Studies: For these tests, you'll be asked to
come in and stay in a special sleep lab during your normal
sleeping hours. As you sleep, tests such as an EEG will
measure your brain activity.
-
EEG: This test is also called an
electroencephalogram (e-LEK-tro-en-SEF-uh-lo-GRAM). For the
test, a number of sticky pads are placed on the scalp. Each
pad is connected to a machine that prints a tracing of
electrical activity in a nearby part of the
brain.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: With a little clip connected to your
ear, finger, or toe, this machine measures the oxygen in
your blood.
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