When a person sleeps, the body continues to function in many ways, including breathing. This pattern of breathing, which does naturally slow at night, makes it possible for the internal organs to continue functioning properly while the body is at rest. A condition called sleep apnea can disrupt the natural flow of oxygen into the body. There are a few reasons that a person can suffer from this disorder, but the outcome is the same – breathing is interrupted during sleep. There are many dangers associated with sleep apnea that make it a very serious condition that requires medical treatment and patients may also benefit from the use of specialized weighted blankets for anxiety.
There are two varieties of sleep apnea, the latter of which is more difficult to treat. The first is the most common type and is referred to as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. This is caused by a blockage I the airway, generally a result of the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing during sleep. The second form of the condition is called central sleep apnea and it is caused by the brain failing to send the correct signals during sleep.
This condition is considered highly dangerous by medical professionals because it can have significant effects on the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea causes the heart rate to slow as the patient sleeps as the body tries to preserve oxygen levels. Eventually, though, it reaches a point where it needs more oxygen, so it wakes the body and the heart immediately speeds up again. Throughout the night, the heart cycles from slow to fast and back again many times. This increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. In fact, a recent study discovered that even people who were otherwise healthy, sleep apnea could cause defects in blood vessels responsible for delivering the oxygen to the heart. This study focused on the use of specialized equipment called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to be worn by sleep apnea patients throughout the night. The mask would provide positive pressure on the airway to increase flow and decrease the number of interruptions in breathing. This treatment is likely to become more mainstream in coming years as doctors see an increasing number of sleep apnea patients.
In many cases, sleep apnea can be corrected with position changes, weight loss, or avoiding alcohol and other depressants. Occasionally, in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, it is possible that removal will decrease the effects of sleep apnea. Commonly referred to as weighted blankets for ADHD or weighted blankets for autism, there are also specialized quilts that place comforting pressure on the body, causing a release of endorphins and serotonin that can help the body relax, particularly for sleep apnea patients who are trying to adjust to a new sleep position or those trying to adjust to the CPAP mask. These have been proven very effective for this medical condition. A weighted blanket can help reduce the chances of the serious side effects mentioned above, which makes them very valuable for millions of sleep apnea patients around the world.










