Sleep Apnea – It’s More Than Just Snoring
Sleep Apnea is the cessation (stoppage) of breathing for more than 10 seconds during sleep. Apnea can be caused by many factors such as the airway muscles relaxing so much during deep sleep stages that nearly all muscle tone is lost and the airway closes off. As the airway relaxes and closes snoring can occur which will intensify to the point of full airway obstruction. The airway obstruction leads to the apnea or hyponea. (Hyponea is a medical term for shallow breathing). Once the apnea or hyponea starts 3 factors occur which affect the quality of sleep.
Compiled by Lisa Bower, RRT, CAE, respiratory therapist with over 15 years experience. Lisa Bower is the Manager for Independent Respiratory Services Inc. in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia (BC), Canada, and contributing webmaster for www.irscanada.ca
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