Sleep apnea disorder can be treated
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Sleep apnea, although more common in men who are overweight and over 40, can occur in anyone and at any age. It can be responsible for headaches, weight gain, impotence, memory problems, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be more prevalent in people with sleep apnea. Children with untreated sleep apnea may be hyperactive and diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The sleep disorder comes in three forms: central, obstructive and mixed, a combination of the two. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn't signal muscles to breathe. In obstructive sleep apnea-the most common form- throat muscles relax and cut off the air supply.

Treatment for sleep apnea generally consists of: +Being fitted with a machine that delivers air during sleep (a continuous or a bilevel positive airway pressure device-CPAP or a BPAP) or a dental device that moves the lower jaw and tongue forward. +Surgery +Supplemental oxygen

Information taken from www.mayoclinic.com.