What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing condition characterized by irregular breathing patterns while sleeping. Patients with Koreatown sleep apnea frequently experience reductions or pauses in breathing for brief periods during sleep. Although these lapses make an individual awaken periodically and decrease sleep quality, sleepers may not completely wake up and remain unaware that their night breathing is unusual.

Causes of sleep apnea

A specific factor often causes sleep apnea, and there is evidence that it may run in families. Overall, there are three types of sleep apnea, each with its causes and symptoms. The types are as follows:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type of sleep apnea occurs when muscles in your head and neck relax while you’re asleep, causing the surrounding tissue to press on your windpipe. This blocks air from passing through it.
• Central sleep apnea: This type is caused by a problem in your brain. In normal circumstances, your brain controls your breathing, including when you sleep. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to deliver signals to keep breathing-related muscles functioning.
• Mixed or complex sleep apnea: This type of sleep apnea combines both obstructive and central events.

What to expect if you’re experiencing sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that can significantly interrupt your life and raises your risk of various life-threatening medical emergencies. Even if it does not result in these hazardous problems, those with sleep apnea are continually tired because they cannot receive adequate sleep. In the worst-case scenario, you may become so weary that you fall asleep during the day, creating accidents or issues with work, hobbies, social activities, etc.

How to prevent sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is sometimes preventable, particularly when it is caused by excess weight or obesity. Still, some individuals who maintain a healthy body weight or are underweight suffer from sleep apnea. Since a structural problem is generally the source of their apnea, they cannot avoid it. The following are the greatest things you can do to lower your risk of sleep apnea:

• Achieve and keep a healthy weight.
• Practice proper sleep hygiene.
• Address pre-existing health problems like excessive cholesterol, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes.
• See your specialist at least once a year for a checkup.

When to see your specialist about sleep apnea

Sleep apnea has been linked to various health problems, including trouble concentrating, depression, heart attack, and stroke. It may also raise the risk of hypertension. The connection between the disorders is not always evident, but anybody experiencing sleep apnea should seek medical attention since it may indicate an underlying issue.

Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that causes your breathing to pause during sleep. It can also cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating, which may be a symptom of an underlying disorder. Often an individual doesn’t know they have sleep apnea, although someone who lives with them will notice. If you experience sleep apnea, you should see a clinician who can help find out what’s causing and how to solve it. Call WPD Dental Group to schedule your consultation today to determine which sleep apnea therapies suit you.