Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout your night’s sleep. This can cause you to have chronic daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and headaches, among other problems. There is obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and a combination of both called complex sleep apnea. In this post, we’ve compiled some information to help you detect sleep apnea.
3 Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Central Sleep Apnea
- Complex Sleep Apnea
This disorder involves the relaxation of your throat muscles, which control your soft palate. Once these muscles relax as you sleep, your airway narrows and prohibits your ability to breathe. Once your brain senses this, it wakes you up to initiate regular breathing. Often times, you don’t remember waking up because it is extremely brief. This can repeat several times throughout the night, leaving you unable to reach a deep sleep.
In this form of sleep apnea, your brain stops sending signals to your breathing muscles. So for short periods of time, your body makes no effort to breathe. This causes you to have trouble with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
Those suffering from this disorder experience symptoms of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea signs and symptoms are usually not exclusive to one type of sleep apnea. Because there is a great deal of overlap, you should seek your doctor’s advice if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive, loud snoring
- Waking with shortness of breath
- Gasping for air
- Inability to stay asleep
- Chronic daytime sleepiness
- Waking with a headache
- Night sweats
- Irritability
Sleep Better with a Custom Oral Device!
While many people don’t associate dentistry with sleep apnea treatment, there are ways a dental professional can improve your sleep disorder. At Elevate Smile Design, we can help diagnose your sleep apnea and provide you with a custom sleep appliance to help you achieve a better night’s rest. Schedule your consultation with our professional team today.
Elevate Smile Design may be able to help you sleep better!
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