End Daytime Drowsiness & Eliminate Sleep-Related Health Risks
Sleep apnea affects your ability to breathe during sleep. This condition increases your risk of health complications, including snoring. Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop periodically during sleep as many as 20 to 30 times per hour. The lack of oxygen to your brain during these brief episodes causes you to awaken momentarily before returning to sleep.
The consistent wake-sleep cycle prevents you from experiencing a deep, restful sleep. You will most likely have a constant feeling of drowsiness throughout your day as a result of sleep loss.
Your sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring during sleep
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during sleep that indicate a gasp for breath
- Headaches when awakening in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the daytime hours
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
Know & Understand the Types of Sleep Apnea
You can experience three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused by a physical blockage when the soft tissue at the back of your throat collapses.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common. This condition occurs when your breathing stops because your muscles are not receiving a proper signal from your brain.
“Mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea is a combination of each type – obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Be Aware of the Risks & Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females. It’s also more common in older adults (40+) than in younger adults and children, though anyone of either gender or any age can experience sleep apnea. Common risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers and a family history of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea affects you most often if you have heart or neuromuscular disorders, strokes, brain tumors and if you’re male. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart failure and stroke. Fatigue caused by sleep apnea can create problems at work, at school and while driving or operating equipment. Sleep apnea can also lead to complications with your medication, surgical procedures and sedation with anesthesia.
Treatment That Reduces Your Health Risks & Improves Your Sleep
Sleep apnea treatment is based on the severity and type of your condition. Oral devices can be custom-designed and prescribed to open your airway for improved breathing. Behavioral treatment can be prescribed to assist with weight loss, smoking or basic sleep techniques. Surgery can be recommended for severe cases of sleep apnea.
Contact our D.C. or McLean dental office about you and your family’s sleep-related breathing problems. Schedule a consultation to discuss sleep apnea risks and the treatment available to improve your health. Patients come to us from Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington, Silver Spring, Bethesda and neighboring areas.
