Sleep Apnea in Brief
Posted on | February 8, 2010 | No Comments
Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing, or a reduction to shallow breathing, while sleeping. These pauses, or episodes, are known as apneas can last for only a few seconds or for minutes at a time. An apnea is defined as the person stopping breathing for over 10 seconds, or the sleeper taking less than 25% of the normal breathing level. For a sleeper to be defined as having sleep apnea, the episodes should occur at least 15 times an hour. Episodes can occur more than 30 times an hour, following which normal breathing commences once again. These nights experiencing apneas are thought to occur 3 nights a week, or more, and at times can cause the sleeper to awaken. Apneas can also cause the sleeper to move out of deep sleep into lighter sleep. As a result of this change Sleep apnea often causes sleep disruption, and those with the condition can find themselves tired during the day. Although common in adults, it is rare for children to suffer from Sleep apnea. Often a person may be unaware that they suffer from the condition, and it is family or bed partners of the person who tend to highlight the problem.
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