// BEGIN editorial data
 var i = 0;
var sleep_apnea = new Array();
sleep_apnea.sName = "sleep_apnea";
sleep_apnea.ID = "sleep_apnea";
sleep_apnea.ID_WB = 3629721;
sleep_apnea.sPubDate = "12/9/2003 10:53:42 PM GMT";
sleep_apnea.mainsectionID = "HEALTH"
sleep_apnea.navsectionID = "HEALTH"
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sleep_apnea.appWidth = 460;
sleep_apnea.appHeader = "Q & A|Sleep apnea";
sleep_apnea.appFooter = "Source: National Sleep Foundation and American Sleep Apnea Association";
sleep_apnea.appNavStyle = 3;
sleep_apnea.appLayout = 3;
sleep_apnea.headHeight = 40;
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sleep_apnea[i++] = new Array("","What is sleep apnea?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
sleep_apnea[i-1].body = "Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. With each interruption, the brain briefly arouses the sleeper in order to resume breathing. As a result, sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality. The disorder, which affects more than 12 million Americans, owes its name to a Greek word, apnea, meaning “want of breath.” ";

sleep_apnea[i++] = new Array("","What are the different types of sleep apnea?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
sleep_apnea[i-1].body = "There are three types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. In contrast, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, not when the airway is blocked. Mixed apnea is a combination of the two.   <br>";

sleep_apnea[i++] = new Array("","What are the symptoms?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
sleep_apnea[i-1].body = "Sleep apnea is characterized by numerous pauses in breathing, sometimes as many as 20 to 60 per hour. Snoring almost always accompanies sleep apnea although not everyone who snores has the disorder. Choking sensations, early morning headaches, exhaustion, irritability, depression, sexual dysfunction and memory problems are also common.  In addition, people with sleep apnea are more likely to have automobile accidents and problems with job performance.  <br>";

sleep_apnea[i++] = new Array("","How is sleep<BR>apnea diagnosed?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
sleep_apnea[i-1].body = "The diagnosis of sleep apnea is often complicated because there are many different reasons for disturbed sleep. Physicians who specialize in sleep disorders are usually involved in making a definitive diagnosis. Patients are required to spend the night at a sleep lab and undergo several tests, including polysomnography, which records a variety of body functions during sleep, and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test, which measures the speed of falling asleep and is useful in ruling out other types of sleep disorders.  <br>";

sleep_apnea[i++] = new Array("","Who&#0146;s most at risk?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
sleep_apnea[i-1].body = "Sleep apnea can strike anyone, even children, but risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40. African Americans are also thought to be more at risk. In addition, the disorder is more commonly found in people who have a physical abnormality in the nose, throat or other part of the upper respiratory system. Sleep apnea also seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis. <br>";

sleep_apnea[i++] = new Array("","How is sleep<BR>apnea treated?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
sleep_apnea[i-1].body = "Treatment is tailored to the individual patient based on medical history, a physical exam and the results of sleep tests. Medication is generally not effective. The most common treatment is a mask over the nose that is worn during sleep. Pressure from an air blower forces air through the nasal passages and prevents the throat from collapsing during sleep. In patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, dental appliances may also be used to reposition the tongue and lower jaw. Some patients may need surgery to remove adenoids, tonsils, nasal polyps or other blockages of the airway. In obese patients, losing weight is also a common treatment.  <br>";

	// END editorial data