Questions about Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder where breathing stops several times a night for at least ten seconds. It reportedly affects around 20 million Americans and can be life-threatening.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway is blocked by the soft tissue of the tongue and back of the throat, or tonsils and adenoids. Air stops flowing through the mouth and nose. OSA deprives the heart and brain of oxygen, which can increase the threat of stroke and heart attack in those suffering from this condition. This can happen dozens of times in one night.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain and central nervous system are misfiring and do not tell the body to breath. Oral, throat and abdominal breathing may all be affected simultaneously. This can affect breath activity for up to two minutes.
3. Sleep apnea can also be a mix of OSA and CSA.

What are some causes of sleep apnea?
Causes are varied, but include:

• Chronic heartburn
• Being overweight
• Narrow airway
• Congestion
• Aging
• Smoking
• Use of alcohol
• Family history and genetics

What are some symptoms of sleep apnea?

• Loud snoring
• Periodic episodes where breathing stops
• Significant daytime fatigue
• Restless sleep
• Irritability
• Poor memory
• Difficulty concentrating
• Personality change

Why should I be concerned if I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can cause as much trouble for you while you're awake as while you are sleeping. It can lead to periodic headaches, daytime fatigue, depression, hypertension, and even strokes and heart attacks.

What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
There are several treatments. Which one is best for you depends on the severity of your apnea. It might be as simple as modifying your lifestyle behavior if you smoke, drink alcohol, or are overweight. There are also several medications, steroid sprays, and nasal decongestants that might help. However, the easiest and most common solution is using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

CPAP is a mask that you wear during sleep. It continuously supplies air through your nostrils. This will help to keep your airway open, allowing you to sleep better.

If your sleep apnea is severe enough, you may need surgical treatment.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact the Colonial Dental Group to set up an appointment.