Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than twelve million Americans affected by sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. The word “apnea” comes from the Greek word for “without breath.” If you suffer from sleep apnea, each time your breathing stops, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing.
Since these wake-ups are brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t remember them and often think they are getting a full night’s sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep cycle prevents the deep, restorative sleep that refreshes your body, leaving you feeling drowsy during the day.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up short of breath during the night
- Snorting or choking sounds while sleeping
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.
Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
Yes, there are three categories of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type and occurs when a physical blockage, usually the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat, obstructs breathing.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type occurs when breathing stops because the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.
- Mixed/Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
What Are the Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea?
The following factors can increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is more common in:
- Males
- Adults over the age of 40
- Individuals with obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of the condition
- Smokers and those who consume alcohol or use sedatives
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is more common in:
- People with heart disorders, strokes, brain tumors, or neuromuscular diseases
- Males
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Yes, sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Left untreated, it can lead to:
- High blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure and stroke
- Ongoing fatigue, which can affect performance at work or school and create dangers while driving or operating heavy machinery
- Complications with medication or surgery, since anesthesia or lying flat after an operation can be risky for sleep apnea patients
If you know or suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, make sure to inform your doctors before receiving medication or undergoing surgery.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Treatments for sleep apnea vary based on the type and severity of the condition. They can include:
- Behavioral changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, or adjusting your sleeping position
- Oral appliances, which are designed to position the mouth and jaw to prevent airway blockage
- Surgery, which may be necessary in more severe cases to remove tissue or correct anatomical structures contributing to the condition
If You or a Family Member Suffers from Sleep Apnea
Hannah Orthodontics can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to determine the extent of the condition and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device, which we can custom-create to help manage your sleep apnea.
