Sleep Apnea Explained

Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep condition that disrupts natural sleep rhythm. That snore when you fall asleep should be probed further since it can be a sign of underlying sleep problems. Your Red Bank dentistry professionals are experienced in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea to restore your energy and spend more time in a deep sleep.

Causes of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can occur due to:

·         Weight: Being overweight and obese increases your risk of developing sleep apnea.

·         Smoking: Smoking affects your respiratory system. Studies have shown that the chances of developing sleep apnea triples for smokers than nonsmokers.

·         Gender: Men are much more likely to develop sleep apnea than women.

·         Older age: Although sleep apnea can develop at any age, the risk increases as you grow older. Studies have shown that people in their 50s and 60s are at a greater risk of developing the condition.

·         Anatomical differences: Certain physical attributes, including; a deviated septum, a small upper airway, enlarged tonsils, adenoids, etc., can cause sleep apnea development.

·         Nasal congestion and blockage can also be caused by the flu and allergies to cold and dust, contributing to sleep apnea.

Types of sleep apnea

1.      Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when normal airflow is blocked during sleep. Relaxation of the muscles supporting the soft tissues in the upper airway is what causes blockage. This type of sleep apnea is the most common and usually causes loud snoring.

2.      Central sleep apnea 

Central sleep apnea is usually caused by an underlying health condition and occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. Central sleep apnea does not cause snoring.

3.      Complex sleep apnea

This type of sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

It may be difficult to notice the symptoms of sleep apnea because most symptoms happen during sleep.

The main symptoms of sleep apnea include:

·         Frequent and loud snoring that is accompanied by pauses

·         Choking, snorting or gasping during sleep

·         Fatigue during the day due to nighttime awakenings

·         Waking up with headaches, a dry mouth, or sore throat

·         Frequent nighttime bathroom visits

Treatment of sleep apnea

Treatment of sleep apnea depends on the severity of your conditions. Some of the treatments offered at Conte Dentistry include:

The use of oral appliances

Depending on your condition, your health care provider may recommend the following types of oral appliances to help manage your condition:

·         Mandibular advancement device- MAD helps prevent the collapse of tissues in the back of your mouth during sleep by shifting your jaw slightly forward.

·         Tongue splint- A tongue splint helps to prevent air blockage by stabilizing your tongue.

Use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

This extensive treatment involves using a CPAP machine to assist in delivering air to your lungs as you sleep. The machine delivers air to your lungs through a fitted mask that you wear over your nose and mouth.

Lifestyle changes

Making positive lifestyle changes like exercising to manage your weight and quitting smoking can help reduce your chances of developing sleep apnea.

Start your treatment journey today by contacting Conte Dentistry to learn more about sleep apnea.