Sleep Apnea Information
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Occasional daytime sleepiness or snoring are often problems for most Americans, but some people find that it is a more chronic condition. Too rarely do they consult their dentists or doctors. While there are many sleep disorders suffered by Americans, what many mistake for being tired during the day, or just a loud snorer at night, could be caused by sleep apnea, and left untreated, studies have shown that it could lead to an increased likelihood for car accidents, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, or heart failure. Daytime sleepiness and snoring are serious issues that should always be discussed with a dentist or a physician, both of whom can treat them, since it can influence so many aspects of ones life.
Drowsiness during the day coupled with morning headaches, a dry or sore throat in the mornings, nighttime snoring, frequent wakings during the night or waking feeling as though one were choking or gasping could be signals of a more serious illness. If these or other symptoms are presented to a doctor or dentist, he may recommend further testing for sleep apnea. The only way to know for sure is to spend a night at a sleep clinic under the watchful eye of a sleep doctor who will administer tests for facial movements, breathing rate, and snoring. These tests, called polysomnography (PSA) or a sleep test, are done by placing electrodes on the face, belts around the chest and stomach and finger to record breathing and oxygen intake and a snore microphone to capture any night music made. Using the results of the polysomnography a diagnosis as to whether or not the patient has sleep apnea can be given.
One of the main complaints that leads people to treatment is nighttime snoring. Often it is the spouse who advises the patient to talk to their dentist or doctor about the problem. Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea. If snoring is heard at night with lapses in breathing and choking or gagging sounds, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. Not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea. In order to be diagnosed, the patient must have several episodes where breathing is stopped during the night. Snoring is not the only symptom, thought, and some sleep apnea sufferers never snore.
The two main types of sleep apnea depend on the cause. The most prevalent of the two is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This occurs when soft tissue in the back of the throat falls in on itself during sleep, blocking the airway. Many dentists have successfully treated this form, usually through obstructive sleep apnea surgery – such as tracheostomy or orthognathic surgery. A dentist might also fit a sleep apnea oral appliance in the patient's mouth to open up the airway at night. The other type is known as Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). This is not as common and results from the brain failing to send the proper signals to breathe during sleep due to problems in the breathing control center of the brain. The patient is more likely to need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing mask to help him sleep if he suffers from this form.
The treatment options for sleep apnea depend on the symptoms and diagnosis of the type suffered. Discussion with ones dentist or doctor if sleep apnea or snoring is suspected. The sooner a dentist can begin treatment, the sooner the patient can get a restful night's sleep.
