Sleep Apnea Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is closely linked to oral health. At North Coast Dental Excellence, we care about educating our patients on health issues that may be related to oral health in order to avoid more severe problems years down the road.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when an individual constantly stops and starts breathing while sleeping. Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include heavy snoring and feeling tired after adequate sleep. There are three primary types of sleep apnea, which include:

∙ Obstructive sleep apnea, which involves the level of relaxation that is achieved by the throat muscles

∙ Central sleep apnea, which involves an improper interpretation of the brain’s signals

∙ Complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea

Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

∙ Heavy snoring or difficulty getting enough air while sleeping

∙ Insomnia and hypersomnia

∙ Headaches or dry mouth upon awakening

How Can Sleep Apnea Affect My Sleep?

Sleep apnea can damage sleep because of its subconscious disruption to sleep prevents individuals from feeling rested, even after getting enough sleep. Severe sleep apnea can also lead to heart problems and other severe health issues.

Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be diagnosed through a variety of sleep studies and other tests, which can take place in labs or at home. Nocturnal polysomnography is one of the most common tests that is used to diagnose sleep apnea.

There are also several potential treatments for sleep apnea, such as:

  Lifestyle changes

Therapies, such as CPAP, which balance the air pressure in the mouth and throat

∙ Surgery

Learn More About Sleep Apnea

At North Coast Dental Excellence, we care about helping our patients maintain excellent oral and overall health, which includes obtaining the best sleep possible. Contact us today to learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment!