Sleep apnea is one of the more common types of sleep disorder. One problem with the condition is that many people may not be totally aware that they have the disorder because sleeping people are not normally aware of what is happening whilst they sleep. It is usually the bed partner or room mates of a person with the condition who can tell that the person is suffering from the problem. Sleep apnea generally does not pose an immediate problem although it is still considered to be a serious condition. It is the associated threats that are more worrying and dangerous, like high blood pressure, and heart irregularities. So what actually causes the problem?

There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common type called obstructive sleep apnea, and as the name suggests involves a blocked airway. There are several specific reasons why the airways becomes obstructed or blocked during sleep, the more common reasons are:-

- Whilst awake it is your throat muscles that are responsible for keeping your airway in your throat stiff and open thus allowing air to pass freely to the lungs. When sleeping, the same muscles relax and for people suffering with the disorder their muscles over-relax resulting in the airway becoming restricted or blocked. This in turn leads to the person struggling for breath and even stopping breathing.

- The condition can arise if the person’s tonsils and or tongue are naturally larger that normal so that they cause an obstruction to the opening of the windpipe.

- Overweight people are more prone to this condition as there can be extra soft fatty tissues that lead to a thickening of their windpipe’s wall, which narrows the interior of the airway opening making it harder for it to remain open.

- Blocking of the airways can also be due in some cases to the natural shape of the person’s head and neck. Depending on the construction of a persons head bony structures can restrict the airway and even the mouth.

The second type is called central sleep apnea which is the result of the brain’s delayed signals to the breathing muscles. This can be caused by:-

- Age. The brains ability to send signals that would keep the throat muscles firmer during sleep are sometimes limited as one gets older and this causes the airways to become narrow and in some more serious cases, eventually collapse.

- The result of an injury or a disease that involves the brain stem. This could be caused by a stroke or brain tumour amongst other things.

It follows that if the airways are partly or fully blocked then insufficient air will flow into the lungs, especially whilst asleep. Often very loud snoring ensues and the body’s oxygen level drops significantly along with an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide present in the lungs. It should be remembered that there could be serious risks when the oxygen levels drops to dangerous levels.

When the carbon dioxide level increases the brain is triggered to disturb one’s sleep. This is a natural reflex action and it causes the muscles surrounding the airway to open the windpipe. This is often heralded by a sudden loud choking sound or snort as the person draws in a deep breath.

It is also natural that frequent drops in ones body’s oxygen level coupled with reduced or lack of sleep can trigger the release of natural stress hormones causing the heart rate to increase. When this happens there is an increased risk of a heart attack, hypertension, stroke and irregular heartbeats. The release of these stress hormones can also worsen a current heart condition with possible dire consequences.

Therefore if sleep apnea is suspected, it is extremely important that medical advice is sought, so that treatment can be arranged in order that the serious problems that this disorder can cause can be avoided.