Sleep Apnea Raleigh
Sleep apnea is a harmful sleeping disorder where breathing stops, often waking the person out of their sleep multiple times a night. Sleep apnea can be very tiring for the family and loved ones of those who suffer from this condition, as it is often accompanied by loud, constant snoring. The repeated jolt of your body's respiratory system can make it difficult to stay asleep. Waking up fatigued and out of breath is a common condition of sleep apnea. The long-term effects of sleep apnea can be harmful to a person's brain and mental health due to the fact that sleep apnea deprives the brain of oxygen. Lack of deep, restful sleep every night can take a toll on your energy, mood, and quality of life. The causes of sleep apnea vary in number. There are many physical causes, medications, and other lifestyle factors that can affect sleep apnea. Our team at Stansell Dentistry Associates is well trained to detect, diagnose, and treat sleep apnea in Raleigh.
Causes of sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea is a condition where the brain does not send the correct signals to your body to breathe, you will often wake up feeling out of breath. Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition where the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely eliminating air flow. Males are three times as likely to have sleep apnea. Smoking increases your potential for developing sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can be caused by genetic factors. If you have any family members with sleep apnea, it increases the likelihood of you having sleep apnea. Tonsils or adenoids can narrow or enlarge your airway, obstructing your esophagus during sleep. Chronic diseases like congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson's can increase your chance of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Nasal congestion or sinus issues can increase your chances of developing sleep apnea.
Conditions of sleep apnea
Your brain suffers from sleep apnea, it receives reduced levels of oxygen for an average of eight hours a day, every day. Sleep apnea can make you snore very loudly every night, making it hard for you, or your partner to get any sleep. The side effects of sleep apnea can often be felt in the morning. Side effects can include: irritability, fatigue, lowered vigilance, concentration, and reduced motor skills. People who suffer from sleep apnea have reported difficulties operating machinery and staying awake while driving.
You may find yourself being suddenly awakened and gasping for air multiple times a night. Research has suggested that sleep bruxism, or grinding of the teeth during sleep, is related to obstructive sleep apnea. People have reported their sleep apnea having side effects of restlessness and insomnia. People with sleep apnea can develop depression and an impaired ability to balance their moods.
What to do about sleep apnea?
Getting a diagnosis of sleep apnea might be recommended by a Raleigh dentist if they detect you suffer from sleep bruxism. Participating in a sleep study can be very helpful in diagnosing sleep apnea. During sleep studies doctors record the number of slowed or stopped breathing events and central sleep apnea events in an hour. They check your blood oxygen levels during these events. Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. Night guards fitted by a dentist have been reported to be helpful in some cases when treating sleep apnea. Obesity can cause sleep apnea; if you are overweight, lifestyle changes like weight loss can help alleviate sleep apnea. Not consuming alcohol and sleeping on your side are other common lifestyle changes that reduce sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Raleigh
When dealing with sleep apnea, your dentist may be the first to know. If you suspect that you or a family member may be suffering from sleep apnea, schedule a dental exam with Stansell Dentistry Associates today. Call 984-477-0177 today to schedule an appointment.