Types

• There are different types of sleep apnea disorders. The most common variety of sleep apnea disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat (the tissue that blocks air passage) relaxes. Another type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea (CSA), which is brought upon by abnormalities in the brain's typical signals in order to breathe. Most people suffering from sleep apnea have a combination of both types.
  
  

Common Symptoms

• The main symptoms for people suffering from sleep apnea are excessive daytime sleepiness and drowsiness. Other common sleep apnea symptoms are loud snoring, restless sleeping, headaches in the morning, falling asleep during daytime, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. Up to half of sleep apnea sufferers will suffer from mood problems, like agitation and depression, as a result of this condition.
  
  

Lifestyle Change Treatments

• There are several different treatments for sleep apnea disorder, varying depend on the sleeper's medical history and how serious their condition actually is. Sleep apnea treatments often start with encouraging lifestyle alternations, such as avoid alcohol and any medications that relax the central nervous system like muscle relaxants. Stopping smoking and weight loss are also lifestyle change treatments.
  
  

Other Treatments

• Other treatments for people suffering from sleep apnea disorder are using special sleeping devices or pillows to prevent individuals from sleeping on their backs. Oral devices that keep an person's airways fully open during sleep are also helpful treatments. Some people also choose to undergo surgery that can help to eliminate tissue and widen the airways.
  
  

Prognosis

• If a sleep apnea sleeping disorder goes ignored and untreated, it can be a fatal disease. Being extremely drowsy during the daytime can cause people to fall asleep during dangerous times, such as behind the wheel of a car. Also, people with sleep apnea are at higher risk for medical conditions like strokes and transient ischemic attacks, often referred to as "mini" strokes. It also has associations with heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.