Sleep apnea, also known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is a sleep disorder that occurs when your airway collapses while you are asleep. Though it may seem like a rare disorder, there are many who suffer from the same thing every night, even if it is just once in a while.

If you’ve ever experienced loud snoring or waking up with someone else in the bed next to you, you know what the symptoms of sleep apnea are. One of the major symptoms is shortness of breath, and often, you will be unaware of it happening until you take a rest. The condition does not need to interfere with your quality of life, but many people find themselves going without sleep because of the condition.

There are a number of reasons why sleep apnea may occur. It can occur as a result of a medical condition, it can be the result of a psychological condition, or it can be caused by a severe accident. Regardless of the cause, the disorder should be diagnosed so that you can make the necessary changes to your lifestyle.

A number of factors are considered when diagnosing sleep apnea. These include your physical health, your medical history, the intensity of your snoring, and the pattern of your breathing during sleep. All of these factors contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

For sleep apnea to be correctly diagnosed, an initial exam by a doctor is often required. The doctor will ask about the severity of your snoring and how often it happens. You may be given some tests, including an overnight visit to the hospital to perform an evaluation for further testing.

Once the cause of the condition has been identified, your doctor may decide that there are no treatment options available. However, the condition may be treated with prescription drugs. Many people find that these drugs work well, but others may still suffer side effects from the treatment.

In many cases, sleep apnea is treated through the use of an oral appliance. This device is placed directly on the upper jaw, and while it is in place, the airway collapses. When the airway collapses, it causes a person to be fully asleep.

Unlike the oral appliance, other devices work similarly. They work on the principle of promoting the opening of the airway when asleep, preventing a person from snoring. Because of this, the device doesn’t have to be replaced as often, and the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Because sleep apnea is more common than you might think, it is usually treated through lifestyle changes. It is important that you make the necessary changes in your life, including diet, exercise, sleeping positions, medications, and stress reduction. These can all help to improve the condition.

One of the major issues that people experience with sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness. While this could affect anyone, it is a problem that is more common in patients suffering from this disorder. However, by keeping your body well-rested at all times, you may be able to reduce your energy levels and improve your overall quality of life.

If you feel that you are suffering from sleep apnea, it is important that you make the necessary changes to your lifestyle. This can help you begin to get the rest that you need, but it can also be a way to prevent the problem from occurring.