Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder marked by abnormal breathing. People suffering from sleep apnea stop breathing several times while sleeping. Multiple breathing pauses mean their brain and body don't get enough oxygen while sleeping.
So if you're tired even after a whole night's sleep, you're likely to have sleep apnea. It's pretty common among Americans, especially men. But since it can have serious health consequences, everyone needs to be aware of sleep apnea's symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
According to distinct causes and symptoms, Sleep Apnea can be classified into three categories mainly:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: In obstructive sleep apnea, the lapses in breath during sleep are caused by physical blockage of the airway at the back of the throat. It is the most common of the three forms of sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea: Central sleep apnea occurs due to malfunction in the respiratory control center. The brain fails to send necessary signals to the muscles involved in respiration, leading to shallow breathing.
Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed sleep apnea, also known as complex simple apnea, occurs when someone suffers from central and obstructive sleep apnea.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The symptoms of all three types of sleep apnea sometimes overlap, making it hard to diagnose what kind of sleep disorder someone has. The most typical signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
The symptoms in children will not be as apparent as in adults. The most common signs include sleepiness, poor academic performance, unusual sleeping, and bedwetting.
The treatment options for sleep apnea depend upon the symptoms and cause. If you're suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, conservative therapy is often effective enough to improve sleep. Losing weight (overweight persons), avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, and sleeping in the proper position are the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea patients.
In the case of central sleep apnea, treatment mainly involves treating underlying conditions that cause labored breathing. From brain infection to heart failure, central sleep apnea can result from physiological problems. Seeking advice from a professional is the best way to overcome sleep apnea.
The symptoms of sleep apnea may change from person to person. So if you're suffering from any of the above signs, contact our specialists immediately.
Call Sun-Park Dental today at (916) 435-1155 or request an appointment online.
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