SLEEP APNEA - IS IT AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH?

FROM THE MAYO CLINIC:

Definition

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
Illustration showing soft tissues of the throat Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring, although not everyone who has obstructive sleep apnea snores.

Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea, although it most commonly affects older adults. It's also especially common in people who are overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea treatment may involve using a device to keep your airway open or undergoing a procedure to remove tissue from your nose, mouth or throat.
symptoms
Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

* Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
* Loud snoring
* Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
* Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
* Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
* Morning headache
* Frequent urination at night
* Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

READ MORE http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-126641/Obstructive-sleep-apnea?q=sleep+apnea