In medical practice there is the concept of a syndrome of nocturnal apnea. This disease is defined as a repetitive stopping of breathing in a dream - the reasons for this state depend on its shape.
Distinguish between obstructive and central apnea syndrome. The first type of pathology is associated with breathing disorders at the level of the pharynx and respiratory tract, whereas the second form of the disease is characterized by disorders in the corresponding center of the brain.
Why does the breathing stop during sleep?
The syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea arises from such factors:
- Overweight. Excess fat deposits on the neck squeeze the throat of all sides, which prevents normal breathing.
- Increased tonsils, the presence of adenoids. The expanded tissues create mechanical barriers to the current of the air.
- Abuse of alcoholic beverages, sleeping pills. Alcohol and sedatives reduce the muscle tone of the pharynx. Because of this, its walls are in contact with each other.
- Underdeveloped lower jaw. As a result of this physiological peculiarity, the tongue sags back into the throat during sleep.
- Pathology of nasal breathing. Chronic rhinitis, polyps, curvature of the septum, the presence of scars on it, allergic rhinitis and other such diseases often provoke snoring.
The causes of the central form of short-term stopping of breathing in a dream:
- severe forms of renal and hepatic insufficiency ;
- taking opioid drugs;
- living in high mountains;
- long-term smoking.
How to treat a breathing stop in a dream?
According to the reasons for the apnea, the doctor can recommend various types of treatment:
- correction of lifestyle and body weight;
- surgical recovery of nasal breathing;
- introduction of hormonal solutions in the sinuses;
- artificial ventilation (BIPAP-, CIPAP-, TRIPAP-therapy);
- installation of intraoral devices;
- positional treatment;
- gymnastics for strengthening the pharyngeal muscles.