Fenton-J-Cool

My father has sleep apnea. Basically, there's a flap in your throat that acts as a valve, making sure air only goes in, or only goes out, depending on whether you're inhaling or exhaling. During the day, this muscle carries on its normal duties. However, at night, the muscles in your throat relax, and this valve may not function as it is supposed to. This means either staying in one position, or half-assedly going up and down, depending on the severity of the apnea. Either way, it's possible that you actually stop breathing during the night (or just don't take enough proper breaths), and not even know it. Then, the proper amount of air doesn't get to your bloodstream, and I don't even have to tell you how bad that is.

This is a very serious condition, that can result in loss of life if unchecked. My dad's brother, who also suffers from this (but in a more severe degree), once woke up with no oxygen in his lungs at all (like 2 collapsed lungs), and couldn't start breathing again. Luckily, he survived.

There is a way for sleep apnea sufferers to get a good night's sleep. You can ask your doctor about a CPAP (Constant Pressure Airways Pump) which ensures that your throat stays well-inflated, and gives you a good night's rest. It looks just like one of those nitrous masks they put on you at the dentist, except attached to a small vacuum cleaner.

Yeah, it looks a little goofy at first, but only your wife will see you when you're getting ready for bed. And hey, it's better than not waking up.


Edit: By the way, this is more of a 'waking up during the night' ailment, and you would know if you're experiencing it. I just wanted to elaborate on apeman's post.
Edit2: Okay, I just re-read your post and you are waking up during the night. And judging by the incremental part, it could very well be apnea. Look into it.

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wra