Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Sleep is an integral part when it comes to leading an active and healthy life. According to doctors, you should sleep for around seven to eight hours. Lack of sleep can become the reason for various disorders like sleep apnea, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious psychological issues.

Here, we are going to discuss sleep apnea. It is when breathing involuntarily stops when the patient is asleep. 

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders that has affected more than 20 million people worldwide. The following are the typical signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

• Snoring 

Snoring is one of the most common signs that you might have sleep apnea. The primary reason for snoring in sleep-deprived people is the partial blockage of air. People with sleep apnea snore loudly and create a choking noise while breathing, which causes occasional cessation of breath. In this condition, the body will be deprived of oxygen that causes the patient to wake up abruptly from sleep. 

• Frequent Breathing 

The fatty tissue of the throat or tongue relaxes throughout the sleep and falls across your airway. This restricts the flow of oxygen and prevents respiration for several seconds. Lack of breathing can be a sign of a critical situation, so it is advised to visit your doctor at the earliest possible time. 

• Fatigue during the day

People with sleep apnea are generally seen in bed for a more extended period (seven to nine hours) and tend to assume that they had a good night's sleep. But it makes them feel tired.

• Headache 

A headache right after waking up from sleep is a sign that you might have sleep apnea. It is caused by improper breathing due to the lack of oxygen supply to your brain and reduced oxygen level.

• Obesity 

Obese people are more likely to have sleep apnea than others. This is due to the buildup of fat around the circumference of the throat. These excess tissues then fall back into the airways during sleep, causing obstructions in the airways that lead to apnea events. 

Dentistry and Sleep Apnea

Dentists will collaborate with ENT specialists to provide adequate treatment, including the following:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Here a CPAP machine is used to increase the air pressure in your throat to keep the airway from collapsing while you are breathing. 

• Mandibular Advancement Devices

These are mouth guards fitted on the upper and lower teeth with a hinge that connects the two trays. This will help keep the soft tissues and throat from blocking the airway during sleep.

• Tongue-Retaining Mouthpieces

These are oral devices that help eliminate the chances of your tongue falling back into the airway when you are asleep, especially for those who have minimal jaw flexibility.

Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders that has affected more than 20 million individuals worldwide. 

Southfriendswood offers you advanced treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. Call us at 281.482.7731 or book online to schedule an appointment.