What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing frequently stops and starts throughout the night. Though it may seem harmless, sleep apnea disturbs sleep, deprives the brain and vital organs of oxygen, and can cause serious health issues.
Understanding the cause and type of sleep apnea you have is an integral part of treatment and prevention. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage of the airway; usually caused when the soft tissue or tongue relaxes and falls to the back of the throat.
Central sleep apnea
Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea is not a result of a blocked airway. Instead, it occurs when the brain fails to send proper communication to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea
Complex sleep apnea happens when the patient has a combination of both OSA and central sleep apnea. Sometimes this can develop as a result of traditional treatments for OSA.
What are the symptoms of OSA?
Though it is said to affect more than 18 million Americans, including men, women, and children, more than 85% of OSA sufferers go undiagnosed. Loud snoring may be a sign of OSA but may not always be evident in those with sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:
In children:
- Daytime sleepiness or drowsiness
- Behaviors attributed to ADD / ADHD
- The decline of academic performance
- Bed-wetting
- Restlessness during sleep
In adults:
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Waking with a headache or dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Frequent gasping or pauses in breathing
- Not feeling refreshed when waking up
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea can result in medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain, heart attack, or stroke. If you or your child have any of the above symptoms, it's important that you see your doctor right away.
What are some treatment options?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A CPAP is one of the most common solutions for managing sleep apnea. A mask rests over your mouth as you sleep. It is connected to a machine that continually pushes air into your mouth and nose, making sure you are taking regular breaths throughout the night.
Teledontics
Teledontics is an integrative approach to treating sleep apnea. This non-surgical treatment developed by Dr. Yousefian expands the upper and lower jaw to create more space for the tongue in the mouth. It expands the nasal cavity to open the airway and allow for more airflow.
As an airway specialist, Dr. Yousefian is committed to offering you the best solutions for your sleep apnea. To learn more, call his office or book an appointment online today.
