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Are you plagued by tiredness? Do others say you snore? Are you at least slightly overweight? If so, you could have sleep apnea. If these are all true for you, waste no time in having your doctor prescribe a sleep study. If you do have sleep apnea, it can shorten your life. And there is treatment! Those who have sleep apnea hold their breaths many times a night, gasping for air. Sleep apnea means higher risk of cardiovascular disease such as stroke, heart attack, and aneurism. Sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of the airway while breathing in. This condition happens when excess fatty tissue lining the airway causes the airway to lose elasticity. It is a condition generally caused by excess poundage. Snoring usually occurs also. The airway collapses. Then the blood oxygen level falls. Blood pressure goes way up as a result. The sleeper, struggling to breathe, starts to wake up. Nearly waking up, the sleeper is able to complete the breath. Then he falls asleep again. The cycle can be repeated many times per minute. If a stopped breath lasts 10 seconds, it is defined as sleep apnea. The spiking blood pressure is what wears out the cardiovascular system. The semi-conscious effort is what deprives you of sleep. You probably are not aware that you are holding your breath while sleeping. What is obvious to you is the tiredness that comes with it. Studies show that the spiking blood pressure countless times per night correlates wtih increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This condition, in fact, can kill you. There's treatment? Effective treatment comes through a system that supplies mild air pressure to your nose and mouth as you sleep. This continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system consists of a fan inside a box, a hose, and a mask. The fan pressurizes the air, delivered through the hose and mask to the nose and mouth. The pressurized air keeps your airway open as you breathe in, and isn't enough to prevent you from exhaling. One downside is that the mask can be uncomfortable. But a variety of suppliers offer options now, one of which will probably fit your face. Another downside is that you have to wear it whenever you lie down to sleep. If you go traveling or camping, you still have to wear it. The fan makes a noise, but it's a white noise that may actually help you fall asleep. Let's stack benefits against drawbacks. Without treatment, you risk early death. With it, you have to wear a mask when you sleep and locate an electric outlet. Which do you choose?
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