There are two different types of sleep apnea.
The most common are called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is because the soft tissues in the throat collapse inward as the muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway. When this occurs, patients can stop breathing for several seconds until the body prompts them to restart. When breathing begins again, it is usually accompanied by a loud gasp or snort.
Central sleep apnea is quite different in that the airways are not blocked. Instead, it’s because the brain doesn’t tell the muscles to breathe and it’s caused by instability in the respiratory system.
Who is most likely to develop it?
It can affect anyone; it can even develop in children. However, there are several risk factors for developing this condition. These include being a man, being overweight, and being over 40 years old.
Men with a neck size greater than 17 inches and women with a neck size greater than 16 inches are at increased risk of developing sleep apnea.
If you have a small jaw, large tonsils, or a large tongue, this is more likely to develop.
Medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, allergies or sinus problems, or a family history of sleep apnea may mean that you are more likely to develop this condition.
Should I be concerned about developing sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is definitely a condition that you should be concerned about developing. Without proper treatment, it can result in a number of different health problems. These include diabetes, depression, heart problems, including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure, as well as headaches.
People with ADHD who also have sleep apnea may find that this condition worsens.
Also, sleep apnea can make it unsafe to drive or operate machinery and it can negatively affect daily activities such as school or work. Children with sleep apnea may have poor academic performance.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
If you don’t have a sleeping partner to tell you that breathing stops during sleep, it can be hard to tell.
However, there are symptoms to look out for and they include:
• Snoring loudly, as it is sometimes possible to wake up with your own snoring.
• Waking up with a very dry or very sore throat
• Noticing that you sometimes wake up feeling like you are choking or gasping
• Feeling of excessive sleepiness or lack of energy during the day.
• Be aware of restless sleep
• Feeling sleepy when driving
• Notice that you are awake more often at night or that you have insomnia.
• Your mood may change; may become less interested in sex or more forgetful
What to do
If you think there is a possibility that you have sleep apnea, it is worth making a reservation to see us at a Cosmetic Dentistry Center. A specialist dentist can examine you and ask about your symptoms.
They will also take a look inside the mouth. If your tonsils are slightly larger, you may need to be referred to an ear, nose, and throat surgeon. Another possible course of action is to request a sleep study, in which you will attend a sleep center so that your sleep can be monitored at night.
Alternatively, you may be able to use a laptop for home testing. Once you have more information, a specialist can talk with you about ways this condition can be treated.
Make lifestyle changes
Sometimes it can be a matter of changing your sleeping position or even changing your pillow. Making small lifestyle changes can also go a long way. For example, if you are overweight, losing weight so that it is within the normal BMI range might be enough to treat mild cases of sleep apnea.
Avoiding alcohol or sleeping pills can help, and if you smoke, this is a good excuse to quit. This is because smoking can increase airway inflammation, making you more likely to snore even if you don’t have sleep apnea. People with this condition often sleep on their backs, so avoiding this position may be helpful.
Using a custom-made dental appliance to treat sleep apnea
Another thing you can see is getting a custom made dental appliance. This will be designed by a specialist dentist to comfortably pull the lower jaw forward slightly, gently holding it in this position while you sleep. This could be enough to keep the airway open during sleep.
If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may need what is called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. It consists of a small mask that is placed over the nose or mouth while sleeping. It will pump a continuous flow of air into the airways, helping to maintain regular breathing.
Surgery is possible for this condition and this can be helpful if you have a small lower jaw. It can be used to remove excess soft tissue just at the back of the throat and palate, which will increase the width of the airways. If this is the case, a specialist dentist can provide you with a referral to a respected local oral surgeon.