Get Answers to Your Commonly Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea
If you have heard of sleep apnea but are not sure what it is then you are in the right place. At California Dental Group we are here to answer all your commonly asked questions about this potentially serious condition. If you have additional questions, or would like to hear about more treatment options, contact us at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Let’s start with the simplest and most commonly asked question: what is sleep apnea? It is a breathing condition that can result in a person breathing more shallowly or less frequently than is safe. Breathing disturbances, known as “apneas” can last for a few seconds or even several minutes. They can happen as often as 30 times per hour.
Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
Yes. The three types are Central Sleep Apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and complex sleep apnea, which is a mix of the two. CSA is caused by muscles not getting the signals from the brain that are needed to control breathing. OSA involves the throat muscle-relaxing too far. The most common is OSA and makes up 84% of all sleep apnea cases.
How Many People Have Sleep Apnea?
It is a sleep disorder that affects about 22 million people, 80% of whom are never diagnosed. One of the reasons for so many people going undiagnosed is the fact that it can be hard to diagnose as it only occurs when the person is sleeping. It generally takes a family member or partner to tell the sufferer about breathing patterns when they are asleep. A visit with your dentist can also help you determine if you have sleep apnea.
What Are the Consequences of Sleep Apnea?
The main issue is that if you suffer from sleep apnea, you are not getting enough sleep. Your sleep becomes fractured and you do not get the deep sleep you need. This can lead to drowsiness in the day, which is more than an annoyance: it can result in poor job performance and even drowsy driving, which an be deadly. Sleep apnea is also linked to serious diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, weight gain, and more.
Are There Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea?
Yes. There are a number of treatments, the best of which will vary for each person. Note that 70% of people who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight. As a result, doctors will often recommend losing weight. They may also suggest a decongestant to improve symptoms, or they may suggest an oral appliance or CPAP machine.
If you are worried that you have sleep apnea and are ready for the solution that will work for you, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to visit with an experienced dental professional.
