Sleep Apnea affects millions of people all
over the world and according to your dentist is a potentially life threatening condition.
According to Web MD, there are two types of
sleep apnea. The rarer of the two, Central Sleep Apnea, and Obstructive Sleep
Apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea is a condition that
occurs when the brain isn’t sending the right signals to the muscles
controlling your breathing. Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when the muscles in
your throat relax.
If you suffer from Central Sleep Apnea, you
may wake up suddenly unable to breath. You may also have problems staying
asleep or difficulty falling asleep. One of the most common causes of Central
Sleep Apnea is heart failure. Your dentist explains that daytime sleepiness and snoring can occur with
Central Sleep Apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when your
muscles at the back of the throat relax. Once they relax, your breathing
passageways narrow causing you to gasp for breath. Because your brain has the
sense to wake you up, you will be startled several times when you are sleeping.
Some people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea may wake up hundreds of
times while sleeping. These constant disruptions will result in impaired
ability during your waking hours, snoring and daytime sleepiness.
Some people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep
Apnea may not even be aware that they have it. If you have a partner ask if you
gasp for breath, gurgle, or wake up suddenly while you are asleep. If you sleep
alone talk to your doctor about dental therapies such as sleep oral appliances that
can help as heart problems and other complications can occur.
Some of the signs to look for with either
type of sleep apnea include loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. If
you have episodes of breathing cessation or wake up abruptly feeling short of
breath, you may have sleep apnea. Insomnia, attention problems, morning headaches,
and waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth could also be signs that you have
sleep apnea.
High blood pressure, heart problems, daytime
fatigue, especially while driving, liver problems, and complications with
surgery and medications could all stem from sleep apnea.
Although anyone, including children, can
suffer from sleep apnea, people who carry too much weight, have thicker necks
or narrowed airways may be more susceptible to sleep apnea. Men are two times
more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, especially if they are overweight. Age
can also cause sleep apnea as well as family history. Excessive use of
tranquilizers, sedatives, or alcohol could cause your throat to relax resulting
in sleep apnea.
If you believe you
may be suffering from sleep apnea talk to your dentist who can custom make a sleep oral appliance to keep you from suffering. Schedule your appointment today.
