A Complete Guide to Sleep Apnea

September 23, 2016

Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea in the United States. While it is usually characterized by frequent snoring, there are plenty of other, far more serious symptoms associated with the condition. If you want to learn more about this sleeping disorder or get treatment for your condition, schedule an appointment with our dentist in Greenville, NC.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main forms of this condition. The first is the central variety. This is when the brain is unable to send the correct signals to your muscles responsible for allowing you to breathe while you sleep. Next, the most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea. This is a physical complication when your muscles relax too much during sleep. Finally, there is the complex syndrome. This is a combination of both central and obstructive. All of them prevent you from breathing properly while sleeping, and as a result, you will wake up constantly throughout the night to start breathing again.

Symptoms

All the varieties basically have the same symptoms. If you notice any of the following in yourself, then you need to see a dentist immediately.

• Extreme fatigue
• Frequent loud snoring
• Shortness of breath upon waking up
• Headaches in the morning
• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Attention disorders
• Irritability, depression and mood swings

Treatments

You need to undergo a sleep test in order to get a full diagnosis for sleep apnea. If it is determined you have it, then our dentist will recommend the best treatment for your needs. Individuals with the obstructive type may just need to make some lifestyle changes such as losing a little weight or cutting back on alcohol. Dental devices can be prescribed. One of the most successful treatments is getting a CPAP machine to help open up your airways as you sleep.

Contact Our Office

Dr. Robert Capps, Dr. Mark Bowman and the rest of our staff are here to assist you in any way we can. If you would like to schedule an appointment, then contact us at your earliest convenience.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• When To Replace Your Porcelain Veneers

  Comments comments

• These Symptoms May Indicate That You Have Sleep Apnea

  Adequate sleep is essential for good mental and physical health, but what if you have a condition that keeps you from getting the rest you need each night? Sleep apnea is a very real and very common condition that affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Here’s what you should know about the sleep disorder […]

• Signs That It Is Not Just Harmless Snoring

  There are many people who snore while sleeping, and this tends to be more of a nuisance for partners than a serious medical condition. However, sometimes snoring goes beyond annoyance and tends to indicate a more serious problem. If you suspect something more than just harmless snoring, you or your significant other could be suffering […]

• Dangerous Side Effects of Sleep Apnea

  Sleep apnea is a serious condition that occurs when the airway is blocked while a person is sleeping. There are different types of apnea – some of which are caused by the brain simply not sending signals, and others caused by blockage of the airway from the tongue or throat closing. The good news is […]

• Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Learn to Spot Common Symptoms

  Sleep apnea is a serious condition with long-term health consequences, and many people who have it don’t even realize that it’s a problem. That’s because many of the symptoms of this disorder present themselves as sleep problems that go along with the stresses of modern life. A lot of patients who could benefit from treatment […]

• The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  Sleep apnea in Fishers, IN is a sneaky condition that often goes undetected by those who have it. Since many of the most obvious symptoms (including snoring and gasping for air) occur at night while the affected person is sleeping, they are easy to overlook. Chronic sleep deprivation eventually causes daytime symptoms as well, so […]

• Summertime and Sleep Apnea Effects

  Summer means longer days, more pollen in the air, and temperature changes that can make days up to forty degrees warmer than nights sometimes. All these factors can affect sleep disorders, especially serious ones like sleep apnea. When that happens, symptoms tend to escalate, and patients who are not currently being treated for the disorder […]

• Men’s Health Month: Talk About Sleep Apnea

  June is an important month for many reasons. The weather hits its sunny stride and families start heading out on vacation during the break from school. June also happens to be Men’s Health Month, and Dr. Patrick Cieplak and our staff at Cieplak Dental Excellence in La Plata, MD feel it is important to address a […]

• All You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

  Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that affects hundreds of thousands of individuals each year. Unfortunately, many cases remain undiagnosed and people find they are tired all day even after a full night’s sleep. At the Jacksonville Center for Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to helping every patient live his or her best […]

• How TMJ Affects Your Oral Health

  Your temporomandibular joint serves as a sliding hinge that connects the skull to your jawbone. Disorders can develop within this joint, often referred to as TMJ, which cause chronic pain. These disorders can be the result of a physical injury or frequently grinding the teeth. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Tilman Richards, can treat this disorder […]