Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. It occurs when an individual stops breathing and then starts breathing again, repeating this pattern over and over again throughout the night. If you snore loudly at night, you most likely suffer from this condition. Or, if you feel tired even after getting a full night’s rest.
Sleep apnea can occur to individuals of any age, including children. However, men, those who are middle-aged, and those who smoke are more likely to suffer from the disease.
There are three main types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Often times, the symptoms and signs of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea can overlap. This can make it difficult for a health professional to determine which type you may be suffering from. The most common symptoms and signs are:
• Morning headaches
• Loud snoring, its typically louder in people who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea
• Episodes of breathing cessations witnessed by another person
• Waking up with a sore throat
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• The inability to concentrate throughout the day
• Waking up during the night and a shortness of breath when awakening
• Difficulty staying asleep for long periods
• Irritability during the day
• Feeling sleepy or drowsy during the day
Sleep Apnea Treatment Option
There are several options that can help treat sleep apnea:
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking:
Alcohol and smoking do a lot of damage to your body, and can be a contributing factor to sleep apnea. The substances affect the length of time between breaths, oftentimes increasing the time you’re not breathing. This can be very dangerous and lead to other conditions.
To help manage sleep apnea, it’s recommended that you avoid alcohol and smoking, especially before you go to bed. Smoking can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep because it acts like a stimulant. You won’t be able to get a full night’s rest if you’re waking up all the time.
Lose Weight:
Obesity is also be a contributing factor to sleep apnea. Excessive weight in children can lead to lifelong obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can be hard to undo as they get older. For both kids and adults who are overweight and suffering from sleep apnea, it is recommended that you consult your doctor about available weight loss plans. Leading a healthier lifestyle that includes regular exercise can help manage the symptoms of sleep apnea and ensure you get a full night’s rest.
Sleep Apnea Surgery:
Surgery is another solution for treating sleep apnea. The surgery reduces or removes the tissues in the throat that block air from getting into the body. This form of treatment is more painful than other options and could include staying overnight in the hospital. Some of side effects of surgery are: bleeding, swelling in the throat area, and your jaw could be wired shut for a couple of weeks while you heal.
Visit a Dentist:
If you have sleep apnea, consulting both a doctor and a dentist is highly recommended. Dentists use wearable oral devices to treat sleep apnea. A trained dental professional can fit this wearable device into your mouth as part of your treatment plan. Dentists such as Jeff D. Baggett, DDS & Grady L. Lembke, DDS in Edmond, OK offer sleep apnea treatments.
Dr. Grady L. Lembke attended Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1995. He then attended professional school at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 1999.