Different Types of Sleep Apnea: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Not just sleep, but rather the quality of sleep matters for proper brain and bodily functions. If you are not getting sleep, it’s only a matter of time before your work or school performance starts dwindling. There are various causes of sleep problems. The treatments may also vary per patient depending on what is causing the sleep problems. We will talk about sleep apnea, its symptoms and treatment options in this article.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a relatively common condition affecting many people, regardless of age and dental health. People suffering from sleep apnea tend to experience breathing difficulties when sleeping, which as a result, causes them to get inefficient, low-quality sleep. The condition occurs when there is a limited air intake due to the upper airway muscles relaxing, thus limiting air passage. The disease affects men more than women and is more prevalent in overweight people,

Unfortunately, many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed until they advance and become severe and challenging to treat.

Why Do You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Sleep apnea may not be easy to self-diagnose since its symptoms tend to occur at night when the patient is asleep and unconscious. Unfortunately, this can have dire consequences as undiagnosed sleep apnea has been linked to severe health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

a) Reduces Risks of Vehicle Accidents

Sleep apnea treatment is essential as it can significantly reduce vehicle accidents caused by fatigue. Research shows vehicle drivers with sleep apnea are more likely to cause vehicle accidents than those who don’t have the condition. That is because lack of sufficient sleep causes loss of concentration and impedes fast decision-making, which can affect driving.

b) Improves Mental Health

People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of getting mental health problems such as moodiness, irritability and depression. Studies also found sleep apnea to be associated with anxiety. Mental health issues can cause self-esteem issues that can affect your performance and social life. Our sleep apnea dentist near Chino Hills can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea before it worsens and causes mental health problems.

c) Helps in Better Diabetes Management

Sleep apnea increases the chances of developing diabetes. The American Thoracic Society found that treating sleep apnea led to better insulin resistance in patients not diagnosed with diabetes. Research also found untreated sleep apnea patients already diagnosed with diabetes have a difficult time managing their blood sugar levels.

d) Increases Sleep Quality

People living with sleep apnea tend to regularly stop breathing, sometimes forcing them to wake up at night to catch a breath. The frequent interruptions in the patient’s sleeping patterns greatly affected their quality of sleep which caused them to feel tired and sleepy during the day. In addition, sleep apnea patients tend to snore at night, affecting their partner’s sleep. It’s, therefore, essential to see a sleep apnea dentist to seek treatment for your sleep apnea.

What are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are two common types of sleep apneas:

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is commonly abbreviated to OSA, is the most common type of sleep apnea. The condition is caused by irregular breathing patterns resulting from over-relaxation of throat muscles, which limits air intake. OSA patients also tend to experience morning headaches and feel tired and sleepy during the daytime due to not getting enough sleep. Below are things that may increase the chances of getting obstructive sleep apnea:

> Lifestyle

Smoking and consuming alcohol regularly can increase the risk of getting obstructive sleep apnea. Drinking alcohol leads to the relaxation of throat muscles worsening the effects of OSA. On the other hand, smoking increases fluid retention and inflammation in the upper airways worsening the condition.

> Underlying Health Issues

Suffering from cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes makes it easier for you to get OSA. Having a lung disorder like asthma can also make symptoms more severe.

> Obesity

People carrying excess weight are more likely to experience OSA than healthy individuals. That is because obese patients tend to have excess fat, which may be deposited in the upper airway making it harder to breath.

> Age and Gender

In terms of age, patients above 60 years are more affected by sleep apnea than their younger counterparts. Regarding gender, men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women.

2) Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is caused by failure of the brain to send signals to respiratory muscles resulting in shortness of breath. Like OSA, central sleep apnea can affect anyone, irrespective of age. Obesity, being male and regular smoking and drinking will increase the risks of contracting central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Daytime sleepiness
• Shortness of breath when sleeping
• Snoring at night
• Insomnia
• Lack of concentration
• Morning headaches

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea treatment will vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. If you are suffering from mild sleep apnea, our dentist in Chino, CA 91710, may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss and giving up smoking and drinking. If the changes don’t work, our dentist will recommend sleep apnea therapy which is usually very successful at treating sleep apnea.

Get Sleep Apnea Treatment Near You

Sleep apnea is a common condition that can cause severe health problems if left untreated. Our dentist in Chino recommends immediate sleep apnea treatment to prevent complications resulting from sleep apnea. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact Ramona Dentistry of Chino for diagnosis and sleep apnea treatment in Chino, CA!