Author: Ken Edwards

A lot of us frequently ask what is sleep apnea though millions of people suffer from it. Mainly because signs and symptoms are common, most people think that it's only a normal sleep issue. Signs and symptoms include snoring and snorting while sleeping. This is a medical problem that was foremost cited by English author Charles Dickens in the novel The Pickwick Paper. He tells of a fat boy referred to as Joe clearly demonstrating clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. This ailment was used to be called Pickwickian syndrome as taken from that novel. This particular term was coined by William Osler, a famous Canadian physician.

During those times, many people still lack a clear concept on what is sleep apnea. Many people did not understand its cause and consequences. They simply know the typical signs and symptoms like snoring and having breathing pauses while asleep. They likewise associate it to individuals who are overweight. Charles Dickens lived during the 18th century and that's how far back sleep apnea has been prevalent. Perhaps even longer than that and individuals were unaware of the consequences of this sleep condition.

Forward to 1965, an in depth study on sleep apnea was led by a French medical professional named Dr. Gestalt. He was working on research and tests on people who have sleep troubles. His studies produced a further understanding of what is sleep apnea but still there was no treatment.

In 1978, a Harvard doctor named Dr. John Remmer came across the answer. He interconnected a person's impeded air passage to loud snoring and unhealthy sleep quality. Consequently, he named this disorder 'obstructive sleep apnea'. His findings provided the means to obtaining a cure. It was a very significant development.

In 1981, an Australian physician named Dr. Collin Sullivan created that remedy. He and his brilliant associates came up with a respiratory ventilation method to help treat sleep apnea. It was referred to as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. It pumps pressurized air into a person's respiratory tract in order to prevent the obstruction for continuous breathing. The earliest designs of the units were bulky and made some noise, but not for long. The healthcare firms easily caught up to the technology and started producing smaller sized, lightweight and less noisy products. Affected people suddenly started being conscious of what is sleep apnea and started looking for treatment. The need for sleep clinics increased, and medical pillows and dental appliances added onto a selection of treatment method.

Well before CPAP was established, Tracheotomy was the best remedy for sleep apnea. Doctors make a small surgical slit on the neck which serves as an alternative air passage. A tubing is placed on the incision. It enables the individual to breathe without the air passing through the nose and mouth. At present, this kind of surgical procedure is not needed. CPAP remedy has been proven to be a successful cure for obstructive sleep apnea.

Information and facts on what is sleep apnea is readily accessible for all people, owing to these doctors. Each of their research studies contributed significantly to a more significant comprehension of what is sleep apnea. From identifying the three different types of sleep apnea to inventing the CPAP machine. Now it is up to us all to use this knowledge to aid as many individuals as possible. Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder that leads to heart related problems. Read more about what is sleep apnea as the life that you help save could be your own.

About the author: Ken has a background in owning and running a small business focused IT service firm. His passion is to help others that suffer from sleep disorders, including sleep apnea which he also suffers from. He provides free information about sleep apnea on his website Sleep Apnea Revealed.