Does your companion complain that you snore all night? Do you feel tired the next day due to lack of sleep all night? What you notice may have an underlying cause. You may be suffering from sleep apnea! What is it? Well, let’s find out more about sleep apnea.
Newtonbrook West family dentist and their team strive to identify the cause of sleep apnea to provide effective treatment, thereby enhancing your quality of life.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that ceases normal breathing while you are asleep. The word “apnea” means breathless, and it can happen either due to blocked airways (obstructive apnea) if your brain does not control your breathing correctly (central apnea) or due to a combination of both (complex apnea).
The resulting lack of oxygen activates a survival reflex in your body that wakes you up frequently, just enough to resume breathing. Though the reflex can keep you alive, it can interrupt your normal sleep cycle. This can negatively impact your sleep and have other ill effects like increased strain on your heart, leading to life-threatening consequences.
What are the causes of sleep apnea?
There are several causes of sleep apnea based on the type of condition:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Is caused by blockage of the airways due to the relaxation of the head and neck muscles while you are asleep.
- The surrounding tissues press against your windpipe, hindering the normal airflow through it.
- Central sleep apnea
- Heart failure
- Hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels)
- Nervous system damage
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea presents with a wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue on waking up
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Waking up frequently at night
- Anxiety and depression
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory loss
- Unusual breathing pattern
- Insomnia
- Night sweats and heartburn
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches, especially when waking up
How is sleep apnea treated?
There are many approaches to treating sleep apnea, based on the specific type and how severe it is. Possible treatments include:
| Non-surgical approach | Surgical approach |
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Sleep apnea is a widespread condition that disrupts your breathing while you are asleep. Over time, it can lead to serious or even deadly complications, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
