Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, caused by a blocked airway, often lead to poor-quality sleep and chronic fatigue and can contribute to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, temporarily blocking the airway. Partners of sleep apnea sufferers often report observing episodes where the person stops breathing momentarily while sleeping.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Frequent, loud snoring
- Gasping for air
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Chronic daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, as sleep quality is severely impacted.
Sleep Apnea: Risk Factors and Treatment
Men and older adults are typically at higher risk of sleep apnea, though there are additional risk factors like being overweight, large neck circumference, and a family history of the condition.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. A sleep study can help diagnose the disorder, identify how often your breathing is interrupted during sleep, and determine proper treatment options.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Centerville, OH
If you're looking for a dentist in Centerville to help you get back to enjoying full nights of deep, regenerative sleep, contact Dr. Linty John-Varghese and the Ohio Holistic Dental Center team to schedule a consultation!