Wish it Were Just Bed Bugs?

Never feel fully rested no matter how much sleep you get? Does your partner frequently complain about your loud snoring and restless nights?

Besides being irritating, these could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder occurs when the upper airway is obstructed by the narrowing of the respiratory passages. However, sleep apnea can do far more than leave you tired and exhausted.

Without the right treatment, the condition can result in hypertension, depression and even cause heart problems. In this article, we'll explain how this sleep disorder works and what you can do to get a better night of rest.

Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea repeatedly go through cycles of sleep, snoring, waking up and then falling back to sleep again throughout the night. Some patients with severe apnea may have episodes of upper airway obstruction a hundred or more times in one hour.

Some patients have airway obstruction because of a deviated septum or a small or receding jaw that results in insufficient room for the tongue. The size of the individual's neck can also be a contributing factor, as it can affect air flow.

Sleep apnea can come with other health conditions. Cardiovascular disease is common in patients. Hypertension and obesity increase the risk of cardiac disease and are frequent findings in patients with this sleep disorder.

Patients with apnea who are smokers may also have coronary artery disease and obstructive airway disease.

Psychosocial problems are common in patients as well. These patients often have depression, mood changes, poor memory, irritability and impaired concentration. Nocturnal panic attacks have also been associated with this sleep disorder.

Sleep medicine isn't enough to treat apnea. Specialists usually recommend weight loss, and dental devices that modify the position of the tongue or jaw. Some doctors may prescribe the use of a CPAP mask. With this method, straps hold the mask firmly over the nose and the CPAP machine that generates the positive airway pressure sits on a table next to the bed.

CPAP treatment is used in majority of patients who have sleep apnea. Jaw surgery is the most invasive surgical procedure used to treat this malady. The surgical procedure may be limited to pulling the tongue forward.

An extensive procedure may entail moving both the mandible and maxilla. Extensive jaw surgery typically has a higher complication rate and a longer recovery time.

Because obstructive sleep apnea disturbs your rest several times a night, you can be very sleepy during the day. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the chance of having high blood pressure and even a heart attack or stroke.

Patients also run the risk of diabetes, work-related accidents and driving accidents. If you suspect that you have the condition, consult a sleep disorder center for a sleep study. They can monitor your symptoms during sleep and prescribe a course of treatment that will help you sleep in peace.