What Is Sleep Apnea?
Do you snore loudly or have trouble sleeping? Do you struggle to breathe at night or wake up with headaches or irritability? You may consider getting tested for sleep apnea by your sleep doctor.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Untreated sleep apnea can negatively affect your general health and wellness.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea – occurs when the throat muscles relax, and anatomical structures block the airway
- Central sleep apnea – occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome – occurs when someone has a combination of central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea
What Are the Common Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea are:
- Snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Sleep deprivation
- Loud breathing
- Episodes of no breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Sore or dry throat
Other common signs include mood swings, headaches, depression, nightmares, and weight gain. If you or your sleeping partner notices any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your sleep specialist today.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, including children. However, certain factors can increase your risk for having this potentially harmful disorder.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
These are some common risks for developing obstructive sleep apnea:
- Excess weight
- Neck circumference
- Narrow airway
- Being male
- Being older
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Family history
- Use of sedatives or tranquilizers
- Nasal congestion
- Medical conditions (e.g., asthma, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure)
Central Sleep Apnea
Here are common risk factors linked to central sleep apnea:
- Heart disorders
- Narcotic pain medications (e.g., methadone)
- Being male
- Being older
- Stroke
If you think you might have sleep apnea or you have trouble getting restful sleep, please contact your sleep doctor today for personalized treatment options. Your dentist can also help you find ways to lower your individual risk and manage sleep apnea if you’re diagnosed.
Contact Your Sleep Specialist Today
A sleep specialist can help you determine if you have sleep apnea and design a treatment plan to help you improve your quality of life. Please contact your sleep dentist today to schedule a sleep apnea screening and learn more about your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snoring doesn’t always indicate a medical condition, but it’s a common sign of sleep apnea. If you snore, gasp for air, or choke during sleep, we recommend speaking with your doctor. There are many ways to treat this sleep-breathing disorder, including lifestyle changes, oral appliance therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and surgery.
Meet Dr. Paul Harris:
Dr. Paul Harris DDS
Sleep Specialist and Dentist
Dr. Paul Harris is originally from Pratt, KS. He grew up working on the family farm, where they grew dryland crops. He received his BS from Kansas State University and DDS from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Paul is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).
Dr. Paul has had family members diagnosed with sleep apnea, and this personal experience has inspired him to become a sleep dentist. He utilizes his training and state-of-the-art technology and techniques to give his patients a better night's rest and ...