The only known cause of sleep apnea is a narrow airway that cannot sustain normal breathing while asleep. This results in a lack of oxygen to the brain and muscles, resulting in many different complications. That’s why treating sleep apnea is important.
Nobody knows what the exact cause of this disorder is. Only one disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, has been found to be directly related to the cause. There have been other disorders found to be connected to it, but only a few have been linked to definite causes.
One major cause of sleep apnea is obesity. Obesity can increase the strain on the neck and mouth during the night. This is the main reason that more men than women are affected by the disorder.
Another thing that may cause sleep apnea is drinking alcohol at night. Alcohol may make the muscles relax, causing them to become weak and collapse, resulting in the airway being blocked. If you drink alcohol before going to bed, you could be more likely to snore and suffer from sleep apnea.
Smoking may also cause sleep apnea. Nicotine gets into the bloodstream and attaches itself to the nerves and muscles, making them weak. The result is a person who cannot breathe when he or she sleeps.
Another cause of sleep apnea is stress. Stress and anxiety can cause the heart to beat faster, which results in additional blood flowing into the lungs. When the blood flows in, the airways get blocked, making the person snore.
Sleeping pills are used by people who need a boost in their person’s sleep. These pills can be very effective but should not be used by everyone who needs to get some sleep. People who need to take them for medical reasons should never take them. Most people, however, take them to fall asleep easier.
Other causes of sleep apnea include anesthesia, pregnancy, and medications like aspirin and birth control pills. Sometimes, these conditions are due to a brain tumor or aneurysm. A bad reaction to some medications can cause the disorder, too.
Many times, sleep apnea is just a symptom of something else going on. It can result from a low thyroid or a damaged digestive system. The way a person sleeps can actually be a sign of his or her overall health.
If a person does not sleep well, he or she may have to lose weight, go on a diet, or try such things as electroconvulsive therapy. He or she may even need surgery to correct the problem. There is no cure for sleep apnea, but there are things that can be done to help him or her sleep better.
Taking care of yourself, drinking plenty of water, and getting plenty of sleep are the best ways to improve your sleep pattern. Some people get a good night’s sleep without the aid of medication. Try to sleep without the aid of pills or sedatives, and watch your sleeping patterns change over time.
