You have what?

From: http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/apnea.html

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea means "cessation of breath." It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation.

(My sleep study revealed that I stop breathing as much as 9 times per hour while sleeping. My blood oxygen saturation level drops as low as 79%. Normal blood oxygen saturation is 95 to 100%.)

In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms?

• excessive daytime sleepiness
  
• frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom -- usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this).

Associated features may include:

• loud snoring
  
• morning headaches
  
• unrefreshing sleep
  
• a dry mouth upon awakening
  
• chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
  
• high blood pressure
  
• overweight
  
• irritability
  
• change in personality
  
• depression
  
• difficulty concentrating
  
• excessive perspiring during sleep
  
• heartburn
  
• reduced libido
  
• insomnia
  
• frequent nocturnal urination (nocturia)
  
• restless sleep
  
• nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
  
• rapid weight gain
  
• confusion upon awakening

How serious is sleep apnea?

It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.