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Sleep Disorders: Sleep Apnea
If you are a person that experiences pauses (or apneas) while you are sleeping then you are likely experiencing a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. These apneas can occur due to a physical blockage of airflow, a lack of respiratory effort, or both.
The three different types of sleep apnea that you might suffer from include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Central sleep apnea
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome (combination of both)
What are the different causes of sleep apnea?
While it is normal for all of your body and soft tissues to relax when you are sleeping, the soft palate within the mouth may over-relax in patients that have sleep apnea.
When the airway is blocked, the flow of oxygen ceases, and as a result, your brain forces you to wake up slightly to consciously resume breathing. This can happen up to hundreds of times in a single night. (No wonder you always feel so tired!)
How will your dentist diagnose your sleep apnea?
Symptoms of sleep apnea include heavy snoring, headaches and migraines upon waking, restless sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, problems focusing, irritability, depression and TMJ symptoms.
While sleep apnea and snoring can be associated they are not always seen together. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit a medical professional so you can receive a proper diagnosis.
Once your issue has been diagnosed by a medical professional, your dentists can help you get a better night’s rest with a number of treatment options. We will complete a full examination of your teeth, tongue, airway and jaw, and potentially take an x-ray of your airway, to determine the right appliance for your needs.
Are there any treatment options for sleep disorders?
Dental appliances can help by positioning your lower jaw further forward, effectively pulling your tongue away from the throat and the soft palate to open your airway. These dental appliances are:
- Portable
- Easy to care for
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to insert and remove
- Quiet and not disruptive to any bed partners (unlike some sleep apnea machines)
- Convenient for travel
What is the importance of treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders?
Sleep is how our bodies recharge and renew. When you experience a sleep disorder, your body will be unable to perform this refresh as needed. This can play a role in many medical disorders and diseases, and reduce your life’s quality and longevity.
Complications can include a wide range of conditions from metabolic syndrome and high blood sugar, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. You may also experience heart problems, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes and resistance to insulin. Because of your daytime fatigue, you may be at an increased risk of workplace or motor vehicle accidents.
Your dentist can treat your sleep apnea which can help you feel better all around.