The word apnea is an adaptation of two Greek words: “A” meaning “without” and PNOIA meaning “breath.”

According to the National Sleep Foundation 22 million Americans (8.3%) have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most frequently diagnosed form of sleep apnea. The other two forms are Central Sleep Apnea which affects one million Americans (0.4%) and Mixed Sleep Apnea which also affects one million Americans (0.4%). These statistics are only estimates as no one can calculate the number of undiagnosed sufferers.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the throat muscles relax, blocking the flow of air into the lungs.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles controlling one’s breathing.

Mixed Sleep Apnea is when a person develops both OSA and CSA.

Any person of any age can develop sleep apnea, even young children, yet certain groups are more susceptible. These include heavy drinkers, obese persons and senior citizens.

Some experts say sleep apnea is curable while others say it is not curable, only controlled. Regardless of their viewpoint all experts agree on several specific points. The first is that this is a serious sleep disorder and can lead to additional life-threatening issues if left untreated such as shortened life expectancies, strokes or heart attacks.

These experts also agree that a healthy lifestyle is critical for eliminating, or at least reducing, sleep apnea’s symptoms. Appropriate exercise, a healthy diet, fresh air whenever possible and good mental health are important for a healthy lifestyle. Establishing one’s circadian rhythm is most beneficial in creating that healthy lifestyle.

As a side note, all sleep disorders result in weight gain so it is critical for any person with one of these disorders, especially sleep apnea, to maintain a healthy weight.

One of the many frustrating facets of sleep apnea is its relationship to other heath issues. One simple example is a person with large tonsils can suffer from sleep apnea. Once the tonsils are removed the sleep apnea disappears and this person is able to live a normal, healthy life. In addition sleep apnea can mimic certain health conditions such as asthma or sinusitis.

The more the experts research the human body and sleep disorders the more new treatments are being developed.

While the CPAP breathing mask can be the first line of treatment for sleep apnea, it is no longer the only option. There is now a long list of additional treatments to use with a CPAP machine or in place of one.

These treatments range from implants to surgeries to mouth appliances to supplementation. Doctors in England are now giving sleep apnea patients mouth and throat exercises to prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep.

A person should always check with his or her health care provider to discuss sleep apnea concerns and treatment options.

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Crystal Linn is a multi-published author and an award-winning poet. When not writing, or teaching workshops, she enjoys reading a good mystery, hiking, and sailing with friends and family. See crystallinn.com.