Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to more severe health conditions. If you want to know what sleep apnea is, the types of sleep apnea, symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options available, including dental solutions, call our dental team today and find out more.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

This sleep disorder occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and a host of other health issues. It is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to a minute and can occur multiple times throughout the night. 

When these pauses occur, the brain sends signals to wake the person up so they can resume breathing. This process leads to poor-quality sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and disrupted sleep cycles; it often happens without the person being fully aware of it during the night.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

It is helpful to know the symptoms of sleep apnea for early diagnosis and treatment. 

Common Symptoms

Many people know that loud snoring is a noticeable sign but the other symptoms should not be ignored, such as:

  • Morning headaches
  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Crete Smiles to find out if you have sleep apnea.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea including:

  • Obesity: Excessive weight, especially around the neck can increase the risk of airway obstruction.
  • Age: It is more common to experience sleep apnea the older you become.
  • Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea, however, the risk increases for women after menopause.
  • Family History: If you have a history of sleep apnea in your family, then you have an increased risk of developing the condition.
  • Use of Alcohol or Sedatives: When you use these substances, the muscles in your throat relax increasing the chance of obstructing the airway.
  • Smoking: Increased inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway caused by smoking can worsen sleep apnea.
  • Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma are associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea. Similarly, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms of sleep apnea then they may want to receive a professional diagnosis. The process typically involves the following steps:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination: Your symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors will be reviewed by our dentist.
  • Sleep Study (Polysomnography): To receive a definitive answer to your sleep apnea question, a sleep study will be conducted. It consists of monitoring your sleep, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs overnight, either in a sleep clinic or through a home sleep test.
  • Questionnaires and Screenings: Sleepiness scales can help assess the severity of daytime sleepiness and the likelihood of sleep apnea.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Treating sleep apnea is vital to improving sleep quality and overall health. Several treatment options are available, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions.

1. Lifestyle Changes

For mild cases of sleep apnea, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms:

  • Weight Loss
  • Sleep Positioning
  • Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives
  • Quit Smoking 

2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

This is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. You will wear a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, this mask will deliver a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open.

CPAP is highly effective at preventing airway collapse and reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea. Some patients are concerned with the comfortability of the mask or they have difficulty adjusting to the machine, which can lead to inconsistent use.

3. Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients that do not want a CPAP machine or have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be a useful alternative. 

The oral appliance is custom-fitted and is worn in the mouth during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, helping to keep the airway open. It is known for being comfortable and portable, allowing for consistent use but they are not recommended for severe cases.

Take Control of Your Sleep Health

Do not let the fear of sleep apnea keep you exhausted—it is a manageable condition. With early diagnosis and treatment you will be preventing more serious health issues. Whether through lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or oral appliances, there are effective ways to treat sleep apnea and improve your quality of life. 

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t wait—seek professional help and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.