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SLEEP APNEA Q&A;
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder. It interrupts the sleeper’s breathing off and on throughout the night and affects the quality of your sleep, reduces the oxygen supply to your brain, and often causes daytime fatigue. Treatment with the Inspira Advanced Dentistry team can help you get a better night’s rest and more oxygen while you sleep.
What kinds of sleep apnea are there?
Common kinds of sleep apnea include:
Central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea causes your brain not to send signals to your muscles to breathe efficiently. You might experience this sleep disorder because of respiratory problems.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea causes the soft tissues in the back of your throat to block your airway, causing snoring.
Complex sleep apnea syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome is the combination of central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Morning dry mouth
- Problems staying asleep
- Irritability
- Difficulty paying attention during the day
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart problems, depression, diabetes, liver problems, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?
Anyone can experience sleep apnea, but some things make you prone to developing it. Examples include:
- Being a man
- Being over 40
- Overweight or obesity
- Large neck size
- Small jaw bone
- Large tongue or tonsils
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Allergies
- Deviated septum
- Sinus problems
To diagnose sleep apnea, your dentist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and evaluate your throat, sinuses, and breathing. Your dentist could recommend that you participate in a sleep study.
What are common sleep apnea treatments?
Sleep apnea treatments available at Inspira Advanced Dentistry include:
Lifestyle changes
Ways you can reduce unpleasant sleep apnea symptoms include maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking alcohol or smoking, and changing your sleeping position.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
A CPAP device includes a mask you breathe into at night when you sleep to increase oxygen and improve airflow.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation uses a stimulator that targets the hypoglossal nerve near your tongue to move the tongue’s position and open your airway.
Oral appliances
Wearing an oral appliance in your mouth as you sleep helps reposition your jaw and keep your airway open. It also reduces snoring. Oral appliances are comfortable, simple to maintain, portable, and easy to wear.
If you struggle with sleep apnea and daytime fatigue, call to schedule an evaluation with Inspira Advanced Dentistry or book an appointment online today.