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Apnea: The Problem and Common Aids

Sleep apnea aids are important because they can help treat the dangerous and socially problematic sleep disorder. Many people associate snoring with sleep apnea--and for good reason--because snoring is one of the primary and most obvious indicators of the problem. However, because snoring is not often dangerous in itself, many people might not realize the serious consequences of continuing, untreated sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more than just a noisy disturbance during the night. It is actually characterized by repeated bouts of non-breathing caused when the airway becomes obstructed or collapses. As air cannot reach the lungs, bodily organs and tissues are denied essential oxygen and the body eventually awakens itself, suddenly and naturally, to automatically correct the problem. However, just because breathing resumes does not mean that the problem is solved.

Sleep Apnea Aids in Demand

It is important that people find legitimate, effective sleep apnea aids so that they can minimize the negative health effects caused by sleep apnea. As the body awakens continually throughout the night, the natural sleep rhythms and patterns are interrupted and disturbed, never allowing the body to recharge its energy stores or properly rest. As a result, the sleep apnea sufferer remains groggy and fatigued, unable to stay alert or function at an optimal level. In addition to daily decreased work and life performance, sleep apnea also contributes to high blood pressures, anxiety, heart problems, and stroke.

Because sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, there are not nearly as many sleep apnea aids as there are "cures" for snoring. In reality, aside from corrective surgery, there are really only two primary treatment options that are supported both by sleep apnea sufferers and medical professionals. The most common sleep apnea aid is the cpap machine, although the intraoral dental appliance is currently gaining ground as the preferred treatment option.

CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure and works by pumping a stream of air into the lungs of the sleep apnea sufferer in order to support the walls of the airway and prevent collapse. Although it is difficult for some sleep apnea sufferers to tolerate, it has been very successful and effective in treating the sleep disorder. The intraoral dental appliance is considerably more comfortable for many people and works by holding the mouth and tongue in such a position as to facilitate proper airflow and prevent obstruction. As more becomes known about sleep apnea and ways to correct it, it is likely that other treatment options will develop, but at this time sleep apnea sufferers need to find one of the available choices that will work for them to prevent longterm health problems.

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