Getting plenty of rest at night is very important for remaining functional and alert during the day. Unfortunately, many people are unable to get a good night’s sleep and aren’t sure why. Some people simply have a hard time going to sleep and staying asleep. However, a person might be suffering from a much more serious condition. Sleep Apnea is an alarming sleep disorder that currently affects millions of people.
Many people are currently living with this sleep disorder and are completely unaware of it. Nearly one out of every ten women, and one out of every four men, are affected by Sleep Apnea. This disorder affects the way a person breathes while they’re sleeping. A person’s airway is blocked repeatedly while they sleep, and when this happens the person stops breathing. Those who are diagnosed with this disorder may have their breathing interrupted several times as they sleep.
What exactly leads to the development of this disorder? A person’s weight can greatly impact their chances of developing breathing issues. In fact, nearly 66 percent of those diagnosed with this disorder are extremely obese. Overweight men are often stereotyped as the only ones suffering from a sleep disorder. However, the older a person gets, the greater chance they have of also developing this condition – no matter their gender.
It can sometimes be difficult to spot the symptoms associated with a sleep disorder. For instance, both fatigue and depression have been linked to breathing problems during sleep. The constant pauses in a person’s breathing can cause the body and brain to be deprived of the oxygen they need. Even though a person may be unconscious, their body isn’t getting the rest it needs. Therefore, when a person wakes up in the morning, they feel fatigued and stressed.
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night or staying awake in the morning, consider speaking to an ear, nose and throat doctor. Again, both men and women suffer from sleep disorders, and these disorders can cause significant problems. A person is at a greater risk of developing complications if they’re older and overweight. Treatment options are available for those who would like them. Thankfully, the disorder can be managed, and the symptoms can be reduced.
