There are two major classifications of sleep apnea. One is central sleep apnea and the other is obstructive. Of the two, obstructive is more common and refers to a blockage of the airway. When the person falls asleep the soft tissue in the back of their throat weakens and collapses. This is very common in overweight people. Central sleep apnea refers to a disruption in the brain’s signals, where the brain doesn’t send the signal to breathe. The control center is faulty and the apnea episodes may happen several times each night due to this lack of a breathing signal.

Because of the constantly changing breathing patterns coupled with a poverty of oxygen while sleeping, those who suffer from sleep apnea don’t really get a good night’s sleep. The good news is that most apnea is very treatable. A sleep disorder center can test you and devise an appropriate treatment plan. Restoring your sleep goes a long way to improving your health. If you or your elderly loved one suffers from sleep disorders it’s a good idea to get it checked into!

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

• Frequent awakenings throughout the course of the night
• Loud snoring while sleeping
• Headaches in the morning after awakening
• Waking up with a sore throat
• Changes in your sleeping pattern
• More forgetfulness than usual
• Insomnia
• Feeling tired and fatigued even though you have “slept”

Elderly loved ones who have Parkinson’s disease will have a greater risk for the central sleep apnea because the respiratory control center as well as the signaling pathways may be affected. Muscle tone in the elderly weakens, so they are also more prone to the other type of sleep apnea, the obstructive type.

Sleep apnea should not go untreated because it can result in some serious health problems including stroke, diabetes, depression, heart failure, high blood pressure, extreme fatigue and dementia among others. If you suspect sleep apnea talk to a doctor immediately to avoid the situation from progressing to something more serious. Especially because the treatments are fairly simple and very effective in most cases.

Our elderly care providers can help your loved one with everyday tasks of living. They provide loving companionship and assistance while helping your loved one maintain as much independence as possible. This is very important because it helps keep your loved one’s self esteem at higher levels and lets them feel they are still very capable in some areas. Being allowed to age at home is becoming an ever-popular choice of the elderly population. Research shows they are happier and stay in better health for a longer time when aging in the comfort of their own home. If your loved one wishes to stay at home but just needs a little assistance, consider an elder care provider to help look after their needs.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care services near Monroe NJ, or the surrounding areas. Please call Independence Home Care today at (609) 642-4085 for more information .