Having trouble breathing at night? Have a partner that snores off and on during the night? Well commonly mistaken for snoring, sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition that can affect your breathing while sleeping. Today our team is going to give you some of the basics behind this condition, to make you aware and help you assess your snoring and breathing habits at night.
So what is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that disrupts a person’s breathing while asleep. If left untreated, many will experience stopped breathing, meaning oxygen isn’t getting to essential parts of the body.
Did you know there are two types of sleep apnea? Obstructive apnea is more common and is caused by a blockage in the airway. Central sleep apnea is less common because the airway isn’t blocked and the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that allow you to breath.
Some of the effects of sleep apnea, if left untreated include: high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, heart failure/heart attacks, headaches, stroke and poor performance in everyday activities.
Sleep apnea can be treated a variety of ways, some of which you can do right at home. Losing weight, avoiding sleeping pills and not sleeping on your back are common ways you can treat mild cases of sleep apnea.
Other options include surgery or using a dental device that is custom made to help keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are made by your dentist who has special expertise in treating sleep apnea.
You shouldn’t have to suffer from sleep apnea, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment 210-761-5452!