Posted by leeladylee (24.52.52.224) on February 06, 2002 at 15:51:01:
In Reply to: Sleep apnea and CH posted by Kris on February 06, 2002 at 15:30:51:
Sleep apnea is a lack of oxygen intake at several points during sleep. You stop breathing for longer than 20 seconds. This is what happens when you snore....some 3 seconds and some longer. Not all snorers have sleep apnea that is considered a diagnosis or a threat to their health.
Because of this apnea, the oxygen level or percentage in the arterial blood which leaves the heart to "feed" the body, brain included, is very low and insufficient. This can cause eventual heart failure, depression, irritability etc.
Those at risk are people who have a history of snoring, obesity, ability to fall asleep several times a day, lethargy, irritability, depression and premature infants. This doesn't cover all those at risk but it is a start.
Treatment is available and successful. The diagnosis is made after observation in a sleep lab which are either private or in a hospital.
It sounds reasonable as anoxia, or lack of oxygen to the brain, can cause headaches.
Not the most thorough post but hope it lends some knowledge and maybe someone who reads this will find that they should be tested.
Much Affection,
LeesLady