Sleep apnea is one of the most prevalent sleeping disorders in America. In fact, millions of people have experienced Sleep Apnea at one time or another. Here is some information on sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which the lungs do not receive enough oxygen during sleep causing the bodily reflexes to wake up the sufferer. Sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in either the throat or the mouth that stops the flow of oxygen to the lungs. A sleep apnea sufferer can awaken many times during the night, sometimes dozens of times during the night.

Depending on the individual, the person may not receive oxygen for only a few seconds or for longer than a minute. By waking up many times during the night the sufferer is not able to get a deep restful sleep during the night and is extremely fatigued in the morning. Not only can this affect a person’s mood, but also their job and relationships.

There is treatment available for sleep apnea sufferers and the treatment has been proven effective for a vast majority of sleep apnea sufferers. The treatment is called a CPAP or continuous positive air pressure. This device is a mask that is placed over the face that delivers oxygen to the lungs while sleeping. Many people that suffer from sleep apnea find that the CPAP helps them achieve a deep, restful sleep during the night. So if you or a loved one is suffering from a sleeping disorder contact a physician for a diagnosis and treatment options.