What is Moderate Sleep Apnea?

Moderate sleep apnea refers to experiencing breathing difficulties, while sleeping. It is a disruption of normal breathing rhythms or patterns, during which breathing can stop momentarily. Typically, the body reacts by choking or gasping for air. Most of the time, a person suffering with moderate sleep apnea will not remember when these breathing episodes occur. If the breathing pattern does not return to normal, a potentially life-threatening situation can arise.

During moderate sleep apnea, the choking or gasp reflex may not always work for a variety of reasons. The brain may be too slow to react to the problem. This robs the brain and body of much-needed oxygen and it struggles for air. If the time lapse between breathing goes on for a long period of time, it can also damage the brain and the cardiovascular system. The result can be a stroke or heart attack.

There are three common types of moderate sleep apnea. When the airway is blocked by soft tissue, it is referred to as an obstructive sleep apnea. If there are problems with the brain communicating with the breathing mechanism, this is called a central sleep apnea and with complex sleep apnea, a combination of reasons is seen. Certain medical conditions can also worsen the problem, including smoking, being overweight, problems with the central nervous system and too much caffeine.

It may be difficult to diagnose moderate sleep apnea because it happens during sleep but there are a few tell-tale signs that it may be occurring. Loud snoring is the first and most important symptom, followed by a long pause in breathing. Other symptoms include insomnia and waking up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. Over time, not getting enough rest can cause a host of other problems such as difficulties with concentration and depression. Fortunately, once moderate sleep apnea is diagnosed there are treatments that can help with breathing.

A continuous positive airflow pressure machine is a way to regulate breathing. People who suffer from moderate sleep apnea can inhale oxygen through a mask and the positive airflow keeps air circulating throughout the lungs. This considerably lowers the chance for breathing difficulties or gasping for air, while sleeping. Positive airflow machines can remove water from the air and cause dry and irritated skin. It is recommended that a humidifier be used in combination with the positive airflow machine.