You may already know that the term sleep apnea refers to any cessation of breathing during sleep; apnea means a loss of breath and so sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing when asleep. However one of the most dangerous forms of this condition is central sleep apnea, where the body fails to signal the lungs to inhale on a regular basis. Oxygen isn't getting in to the body as it should if a person isn't inhaling properly and regularly. This regular cycle of oxygen is so important that the body can and does force itself to breathe even if you consciously try to hold your breath. The problems with central sleep apnea are not to be dismissed.

During periods of central sleep apnea, the heart will respond to this lack of oxygen intake by increasing the heart rate, causing stress and strain to the heart muscles. When you exercise you heart rate speeds up which is good for you but this is not the same. An increased heart rate during exercise is always accompanied by breathing oxygen in and carbon dioxide out, but not so with central sleep apnea! This unnatural increase of the heart rate can damage the heart itself as it's working harder but without nourishing oxygen to help out.

It's believed that central sleep apnea can trigger seizures in the patient. This is caused by the sudden drop in blood oxygen levels, and this occurs whether the person has a seizure disorder or not. Other problems that can arise due to central sleep apnea can include heart attacks and angina. Also, If breathing is very irregular there can be a build up of toxic carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

As with central sleep apnea, all forms of sleep apnea should be addressed as quickly and effectively as possible. A person that is overweight should endeavor to bring their weight under control. A snore pillow can keep the head from falling back and the tongue from blocking the throat and airway. Having a humidifier in the bedroom is good for keeping the sinuses clear. In severe cases, especially when dealing with central sleep apnea, a CPAP machine can keep oxygen pumping into the body at regular intervals. At any rate, this is not a condition to be ignored or dismissed but should be addressed!

Tags: heart attacks, heart rate during exercise, stress and strain, snore pillow, Health, blood oxygen levels, Central Sleep

There are many so-called anti-snoring devices on the market today, from a snore pillow to nasal strips to things that look like the bite guards that athletes wear.  If you've gotten one from your doctor or dentist, you may be all set, and hopefully it's working for you.  But for those who are still in the market, here is some information to consider about sorting through all those anti-snoring devices and finding the right one for you.

Nasal Strips

One thing to consider is why you snore.  For many, their nose is clogged and plugged due to asthma, allergies, dry weather, pollen or dust, or some other factor.  When the nasal passages are blocked, the body will of course cause the mouth to fall open so that one can breathe.As you do this all through sleeping, you're most likely going to begin snoring.  So how to stop snoring in these cases, good anti-snoring devices to try are the nasal strips you often see advertised on television and the internet.  Many are just spongy strips on a small spring that adhere to your nose and gently pull it open, thereby allowing you to breathe through it.They more often than not contain no medicine of any sort, although some are now being offered with a slight coating of menthol which further opens the nasal passages.These are a few favorite anti-snoring devices for many because they are affordable, discreet, and don't require any type of prescription or visit to the doctor's office to use.

Mouthpieces

There are many types of mouthpieces that are offered as anti-snoring devices, and these typically are gotten from your doctor or dentist.  This is because they often need to be custom fitted to your jaw line.  These mouthpieces work as anti-snoring devices because they do not allow the tongue to fall into the back of the throat and keep the airway open.They also lightly force the lower jaw ahead so that it does not fall open needlessly.

If you're considering mouthpieces as anti-snoring devices, you probably need to speak to your dentist rather than your doctor.  He or she can take a mold of your mouth and then form the device there or send it out to a specialist.  Most have been shown to be very effective in their use but are usually tried only after all other options have failed, since they can be quite expensive.

What to Remember With Anti-Snoring Devices

Whatever solution you try and ultimately wind up with, make sure that it's something comfortable and workable for you.  It does no good to apply anti-snoring devices that hurt or that keep you up at night; what is the point of curing your snoring if your mouthpiece now keeps you awake or your nasal strip is itchy?  And many doctors and dentists recommend using more than one product to work in conjunction or harmony with each other, so don't be surprised if you are recommended both a mouthpiece and a throat spray, or a nasal strip and a snoring pillow, and so on to stop snoring.

Tags: stop snoring, Health, snoring cures, nasal passages, how to stop snoring, lower jaw