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What is sleep apnea?
Does your partner snore? Have you ever found yourself waking up in the middle of the night struggling to breathe? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that varies in severity. Mild cases may result in disruptive snoring or poor sleep quality, while severe cases can be dangerous. However, with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can improve your quality of sleep and overall well-being. Contact Round Lake Family Dentistry today to find out how we can assist you!
Learn more about Sleep Apnea
Factors contributing to Sleep Apnea
The most common cause of sleep apnea is when your airway is blocked by oral tissue during sleep, leading to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Factors that can contribute to OSA include being overweight, using alcohol and sedatives, smoking, nasal congestion, and genetic factors like a narrow mouth or throat.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain sends improper signals to the lungs, causing them to momentarily stop breathing. This can be due to medical conditions like Cheyne-Stokes respiration, brain stem damage, or the use of certain narcotic painkillers.
Patients with complex sleep apnea (CompSAS) often experience symptoms of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Options for Managing Sleep Apnea
CPAP machines are a popular treatment for sleep apnea, delivering pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open. They are essential for treating central or complex sleep apnea.
For obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a growing alternative. This treatment involves a custom-made device that shifts the jaw position during sleep to prevent airway obstruction.
Lifestyle changes can also help manage OSA, including quitting smoking and alcohol, avoiding sedatives, losing weight, and adjusting sleep position. These changes can reduce or eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea.