My partner stops breathing during the night for over a minute sometimes,is this serious?

Answer 1

Yes, It's called Sleep Apnea. He needs to (1) lose wieght...#1 cause (2) get a sleep study done...to determine a solution.

There are 2 kinds of sleep apnea (1) obstructive-too much fat or tissue, or poor muscle tone (2) nervous-the brain shuts off the breathing center

Either case it causes a world of long term health problems (heart attacks, respiratory problems, etc)

Answer 2

I agree with the others in that is sound like a condition called obstructive sleep apnoea, but be very careful about going to your GP for a formal diagnosis as the DVLA take a very dim veiw of it and can revoke your licence.
There are many devices and treatments designed to help that you could purchase privately to try and help the problem. A CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure) is not cheap but is one of the treatments a Doctor would suggest.
Other suggestions are to lose weight, sleep on side, avoid alcohol.
Good luck hope this helps a little. There is lots of info online but this advice from BUPA is simple and helpful.

Answer 3

Sleep apnea or sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas (literally, "without breath"), each last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. The standard definition of any apneic event includes a minimum 10 second interval between breaths, with a either a neurological arousal (3-second or greater shift in EEG frequency, measured at C3, C4, O1, or O2), or a blood oxygen desaturation of 3-4 percent or greater, or both arousal and desaturation. Clinically significant levels of sleep apnea are defined as 5 events of any type or greater per hour of sleep time. There are two distinct forms of sleep apnea: Central and Obstructive. Breathing is interrupted by the lack of effort in Central Sleep Apnea, but in Obstructive Sleep Apnea breathing is interrupted by a physical block to airflow despite effort. In Mixed Sleep Apnea, there is a transition from central to obstructive features during the events themselves.

Regardless of type, the individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes or is suspected because of its effects on the body (sequelae). Symptoms may be present for years, even decades without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance. The definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea is made by polysomnography.

Answer 4

It sounds like Sleep Apnea. This is where you stop breathing for a minute or 2 during sleep. I would get this checked out. They have sleep studies that can check for sleep apnea and if so they can put him on a CPAP (Continuous Positive Applied Pressure). This will really help him get a good night's sleep.

Answer 5

sleep apnea most lightly, but it might not be, it could be as a result of many other things like heart and lungs combined with oxygen levels going too low, this can be serious and faital. as the brain is been starved of oxygen that is nessasery for consoius state, coma could follow with permant brain damage. but first you may get the sleep test done in a clinic to elimate that. if it is found to be sleep problem then you can be treated with a c pump thats keeps you breathing during the night, hope i have helped and good luck brian

Answer 6

Sleep apnea is something that should be treated. It has been linked to heart disease, and may be associated with dangerous heart arrythmias. It's usually caused by obstruction of the airways, especially in folks who are overweight or who snore. The treatment is typically simple enough -- wearing a mask (CPAP or BiPAP) that provides pressure to keep the airways open. Other causes of sleep apnea are neurologic in nature. They're less common, and require a different treatment. A conversation with a doctor and potentially a sleep study are in order.

Answer 7

Guessing, your partner is overweight. Maybe he drinks a bit, snores and maybe he smokes? If this is not him I apologise unreservedly!

You seem to be describing sleep apnoea of some sort, there are a number of types. It is said to be significant if the break lasts for more than 10 seconds and there are more than 10 breaks per hour. You should get him to see his GP to investigate his condition, he will need advice and may require treatment. Have a glance at this site in the meantime. http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/snoring_&_sleep_apnoea/what_is_sleep_apnoea.php

Answer 8

Yes! It's called sleep apnea. It can be very serious and even fatal in some cases. I would make sure he/she gets to a doc I think there are treatment options. In the meantime google sleep apnea and find out more

Answer 9

Sleep apnea is far more than just that!

Get your hubby to see a doctor and talk with him about it - he should refer you to a sleep clinic where they can observe your partners sleeping patterns over a few nights and get him fixed up so he sleeps better and you stop worrying!

Answer 10

these are sleep apnoeas. my son had them a lot when he was born. they do not last long enough to cause damage to the brain but can be dangerous if the condition worsens. the best advice would be to see your gp to get referred to a sleep clinic who will monitor his seep patterns and apnoeas. they will probably say that the cause is that he is overweight (just assuming he is) or if not overweight then it could be a condition where the throat closes slightly making it difficult to breathe. he is getting enough air to live but not enough to have a fulfilling sleep. it is nothing to worry about and can be treated so book an appointment with your gp when you can. it is not urgent but you know wat men are like they will put it off and put it off. tell him it needs to be checked out. good luck