Over 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. It is becoming such a problem that some States are considering making screening for drivers compulsory. The problems arise with sufferers falling asleep at the wheel although they don´t even realise they are sleepy. Anyone can be a sufferer, man, woman or child, African Americans, Pacific Islanders and Hispanics are more likely to be affected as are men. Being overweight can increase your chances of having it, but so can smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and age. If you suspect that you may be a sufferer there are things that can be done.

Check your symptoms, loud snoring may be a sign, choking or gasping for breath in your sleep. Do you have insomnia or wake regularly during the night for a trip to the bathroom. Do you wake in the morning with a sore throat, dry mouth, headache, and breathless. Are you suffering during the day with moodiness, forgetfulness, depression. Difficulty concentrating can also be a sign. Obviously diagnosis in children or even babies can be more difficult but there are tests and questionaires on various websites can help to relieve your mind. Sleep apnea screening can now be done on the computer or at home.

The second step is to visit your local G.P. He or she will be able to help. Try keeping a sleep diary, list what you´ve eaten, whether you are feeling stressed and any medications you may be taking. The more you can help your doctor the better he can help you. In mild cases there are some basics you can do to help yourself, if you are a smoker, give up. Stop drinking alchohol and avoid sedatives and caffeine. Try not to indulge in heavy meals before bed and get into a sleep routine. Try to sleep with your head raised, this will help keep the airways open. Hopefully these steps may help.

There are three types of sleep apnea, 

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by soft tissues at the back of your nose and throat relaxing and blocking the airways, sometimes swollen tonsils can be the cause.

Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure on the part of your brain to communicate with the muscles.

Combination sleep apnea is a combination of the two.

If you do suffer badly, the doctor may recommend a CPAP. This is a device the size of a tissue box which provides a continuous supply of air to a mask which is worn to bed.

Only in extreme cases will surgery be recommended as it doesn´t always work and can cause unnecessary complications.

So stop worrying, find out where you can get sleep apnea screening and start getting better.