Sleep apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea are unable to get oxygen their bodies require, which prevents them from getting a restful night’s sleep. Untreated, sleep apnea may result in high blood pressure and/or other cardiovascular diseases, stroke, memory loss, weight gain, impotence and headaches.

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. The most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), caused by tissue collapsing in the back of the throat and blocking the airway. The sleeper tries to breathe, but no air can pass into or out of the lungs because of the blockage. Breathing resumes after the person awakens, gasping and struggling for air. Episodes of apnea can last anywhere from ten seconds to over a minute and may occur several hundred times during the night.

In Central Sleep Apnea, the airway stays open, but the brain forgets to tell the muscles that control breathing to keep working. This is the rarest form of the disorder. Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Anyone can have sleep apnea; however, it is more common in males, people who are overweight and people who are middle aged or older. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Daytime sleepiness
• Anxiety or depression
• Decreased interest in sex
• Irritability
• Mood change
• Forgetfulness
• Restless sleep

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Other Sleep Disorders
• Narcolepsy – episodes of suddenly falling asleep
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder – a form of sleep walking
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Insomnia

For more information on services available at the Vista Health Sleep Disorders Centers, call 1-847-360-4124.

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