Sleep apnea is a prevalent medical issue necessitating prompt medical intervention as it can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. Temporary pauses in breathing during sleep pose serious risks and must be addressed promptly to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

The dentist in Abilene, TX, and their team of experts help manage sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea. But what is sleep apnea? Let us find out! 

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by interruptions in normal breathing patterns during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur due to blocked airways (obstructive apnea), improper control of breathing by the brain (central apnea), or a combination of both (complex apnea). As a result, the body’s oxygen levels decrease, triggering a survival reflex that momentarily wakes the individual to resume breathing. While this reflex is vital for survival, it disrupts the natural sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and potential health complications such as increased cardiac strain.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

The types of sleep apnea include:

Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Is caused by blockage of the airways when the muscles of the head and neck relax while you are asleep.
  • The surrounding tissues press against your windpipe, obstructing the normal airflow through it.

Central sleep apnea

 

  • Heart failure
  • Hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels)
  • Nervous system damage

Sleep apnea presents with a wide range of symptoms, such as:

  • Being lethargic on waking up
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Snoring 
  • Waking up frequently at night
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Poor concentration 
  • Memory loss
  • Unusual breathing pattern
  • Insomnia
  • Night sweats and heartburn
  • Sexual dysfunction 
  • Headaches, especially when waking up

Effective treatment for sleep apnea

There are many approaches to treating sleep apnea,  based on the specific type and how severe it is. Possible treatments include:

Non-surgical approach: For mild to moderate cases 

  • Conservative treatment 
      • Weight loss
      • Changing sleep positions
      • Nasal sprays
      • Treating the underlying conditions such as heart failure
  • Medications 
      • Decreasing or stopping opioid pain medications 
  • Positive airway pressure (PAP) and adaptive ventilation
      • Uses a specialized device to increase the air pressure inside your airway.
  • Oral appliances
      • Hold your tongue and jaw in a position to keep pressure off your windpipe.
  • Nerve stimulators
    • Relaxes nerves in your body that are under pressure 

Surgical approach: For severe cases 

  • Somnoplasty
  • Nasal surgery
  • tonsillectomy/ adenoidectomy
  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
  • Jaw surgery 

Sleep apnea is a common disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications or even life-threatening situations. Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential.