Signs of Sleep Apnea![]() If you have a tendency of snoring loudly, and then you feel exhausted during the day, that’s typically a sign of sleep apnea. Millions of Americans have this sleep disorder, but sadly there’s not enough sensitization. Sleep apnea can have a serious impact on your physical and emotional health. It usually deprives you of sleep and energy, weakens your reflexes, dampens your focus, and makes you irritable and depressed. Treating sleep apnea may involve the elimination of soft tissues in the back of your throat or the use of a dental appliance. Our dental specialists break down your treatment options and guide you along the path of selecting the most suitable method. What are the Types of Sleep Apnea?There are three forms of sleep apnea. The triggers may be different, but the outcome is the same: an interrupted breathing pattern. Obstructive Sleep ApneaThis is the most prevalent form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat lean down into the airway. Most people with this condition tend to snore loudly. Central Sleep ApneaIt’s not as prevalent as obstructive sleep apnea, but it occurs when the brain fails to activate breathing muscles. The condition is triggered by an unstable respiratory control center. Complex Sleep ApneaThis condition is a mix of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. What are the Risk Factors?Anyone can come down with sleep apnea, but the following factors increase your risk of developing this condition: Being OverweightObesity is gradually becoming a crisis, thanks to our poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. If you are heavyset you are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Over 40 Years OldSleep apnea affects people in all age brackets. However, it disproportionately affects people who are 40 years old and above. Having a Large NeckWe perceive people with wide necks as strong, but sadly they have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea than people with narrow necks. Signs of Sleep ApneaMany people have sleep apnea and they are not even aware of it mainly because the symptoms come alive when they are asleep. The following are some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea. Loud SnoringIf you persistently snore during the night, that may be a sign of sleep apnea. The kind of snoring induced by sleep apnea is usually heavy. Gasping During SleepSleep apnea occurs as a result of interruptions in your breathing pattern, and as we all know, we need to keep breathing to stay alive. So, when these interruptions happen, we automatically gasp for air. Daytime SleepinessSleep apnea makes it hard to have quality sleep. And so, the lack of sufficient sleep during the night leads to daytime sleepiness. Oral appliance therapy is one of the best sleep apnea treatments. Our dental specialists generally break it down for you. Stop by and see Dallas Oral Surgery Associates to learn about how we can help treat sleep apnea or call 214-363-9946 to schedule an appointment. |