A Stanford study has found that
Asians have a higher incidence of severe obstructive
sleep apnea than Caucasians.
Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition which occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person’s mouth or nose although efforts to breathe continue.
Sufferers literally stop
breathing while
sleeping.
Sleep apnea can also be characterized by choking sensations.
The disorder contributes to excessive daytime sleepiness, which has been established as a risk factor for motor vehicle accidents.
The disorder contributes to excessive daytime sleepiness, which has been established as a risk factor for motor vehicle accidents.
Investigators have expressed concern that obstructive
sleep apnea may be under-diagnosed in Asians.
Early recognition and treatment are important because the condition may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
