DEFINE – What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sometimes serious sleep disorder which affects breathing, causing it to stop and start throughout the night.
BREAKING DOWN – Sleep Apnea
There are several types of sleep apnea, but the three most common are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. If you’re a snorer or you feel exhausted – even after a full night’s sleep – you could potentially be suffering from sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs due to the relaxation of the muscles in the throat. In contrast, central sleep apnea occurs due to a lack of communication from the brain to the muscles responsible for breathing. Lastly, complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of the two forms of sleep apnea. Complex sleep apnea is when an individual has both types of sleep apnea.
The symptoms that can be brought on from suffering from one or more types of sleep apnea include struggling for air while asleep, waking up with a very dry mouth, an overwhelming sense of tiredness during the day, morning headaches, trouble staying asleep, and irritability.
Some of the risk factors which will increase the likelihood you will develop a variation of the sleep disorder are age, heart disorders, excessive weight, alcohol, smoking, and being male.
Due to the serious nature of sleep apnea, it is always recommended that you see a doctor if you suffer from some of the symptoms described earlier. If not dealt with, sleep apnea can lead to a whole host of more serious health problems, such as issues with the liver, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome.
At Athlete’s Choice Massage, our team of fully qualified massage therapists can help you deal with physical issues stemming from sleep apnea through massage techniques, so you can go about your day feeling like you got a great night’s sleep. Get the rest you deserve. Find out how we can help you by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.
