What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur multiple times per hour. There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstruction Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the more common type, where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, leading to interruptions in breathing.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Lesson common, CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
There are some key signs and symptoms that a person might be able to identify if they are wondering if they or their loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea.
- Loud and Persistent Snoring: Chronic snoring is one of the hallmark symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Snoring associated with sleep apnea is often loud and disruptive and may include snort or gasps.
- Pauses in Breathing During Sleep: Frequent pauses in breathing (apneas) are a symptom of sleep apnea. These pauses can last for seconds to minutes and are often followed by gasping or choking sounds as breathing resumes.
- Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Despite spending what seems like an adequate time in bed, individuals with sleep apnea may not feel rested due to interrupted sleep patterns.
- Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches is often due to the drop of oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels during sleep apnea episodes. Headaches throughout the day may also be present.
- Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat is a symptom of mouth breathing during sleep apnea. Breathing through the mouth occurs when the airway is partially blocked.
Many other symptoms are associated with sleep apnea. If you feel like you might be suffering from sleep apnea, reach out to your healthcare provider to be evaluated.
Health Risks Associated with Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can have significant effects on various aspects of daily life due to its disruptive nature and associated health risks:
- Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue: Constant interruptions in sleep prevent individuals from achieving restful sleep stages, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness. Fatigue can impair cognitive function, concentration, and memory, affecting performance at work or school.
- Health Risks: Sleep apnea is linked to several serious health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, the repetitive drop in oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns can strain the cardiovascular system over time.
- Safety Concerns: Sleep apnea increases the risk of accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions due to impaired alertness and reaction times. Operation machinery or engaging in activities requiring concentration becomes more hazardous.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Sleep apnea can impact an individual’s health and quality of life. If an individual is suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to seek treatment for improved sleep and overall well-being.
- Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle modifications are critical to managing your sleep apnea. Individuals should consider weight loss, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives that can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP is considered the standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA. The CPAP machine helps deliver a constant flow of hair through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
- Oral Appliances: Oral appliances can be obtained from a sleep apnea dentist. They help reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Lake Forest Family Dentistry creates custom and comfortable oral appliances.
- Surgery: If there is excess tissue in the throat, surgery might be needed to help widen the airway. There are other types of surgeries that move the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway.
If you or a loved one might be experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t worry! Call our office today to learn more about our sleep apnea treatment options!