Sleep Apnea Seattle What is sleep apnea?Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder in which a person ceases to breathe for short periods while sleeping. If left untreated, it can cause daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and other serious health concerns like stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart failure, and diabetes. It's important to distinguish sleep apnea from regular snoring, which is primarily caused by bad sleeping habits, throat or nose diseases, alcohol consumption, obesity, and advanced age. In adults, sleep apnea can lead to job impairment and accidents, such as work-related mishaps and car accidents. This disorder can also lead to low academic achievement in youngsters. Visit Pacific Modern Dentistry to learn more about sleep apnea and our treatment options. Types of Sleep ApneaCentral and obstructive sleep apnea are the two types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea does not block your airways. Due to respiratory control center difficulties, your brain does not send messages to your muscles to breathe, as it normally should. People with kidney failure, lung disease, stroke, and other neuromuscular conditions are more likely to experience central sleep apnea, which is linked to central nervous system function. Obstructive sleep apnea takes place when the airways block (totally or partially) while sleeping, as the soft tissue in the back of your throat contracts. Your diaphragm and chest muscles work a little bit more to open the airways. This disrupts the passage of oxygen to your essential organs, resulting in abnormal heart rhythms. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea SymptomsThe common signs of sleep apnea are daytime lethargy or sleepiness, excessive snoring, sexual dysfunction, night sweats, headaches, frequent nightly urination, and mood swings. You may also have frequent overnight awakenings and uneasiness while sleeping. In addition, a sore throat and a dry mouth after waking up can also be symptoms of sleep apnea. Some people may experience cognitive issues like impatience, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating. In children, bedwetting and sluggishness are common sleep apnea symptoms. Diagnosis of Sleep ApneaIf it is suspected you have sleep apnea, you can undergo an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG). A polysomnogram is often performed in a sleep lab with the assistance of a trained technician. While you sleep, the doctor will monitor breathing patterns, muscle activity, heart rate, brain activity, eye movements, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. The technician will rate your sleep apnea depending on the findings once the examination is complete. Dental treatment and sleep apneaSleep apnea is treated differently depending on its severity. The most prevalent kinds of treatment for sleep apnea are conservative treatments. Your doctor may advise you to quit smoking, lose weight, or take medication to manage nasal allergies. You can also use an oral appliance, which is a device that keeps your throat open. Continuous positive airway pressure prevents snoring and sleep apnea by keeping your upper airways open. If all other therapies have failed, your doctor may suggest surgery. Visit Pacific Modern Dentistry to get more information about sleep apnea treatment or contact us today at (206)284-4505 to book an appointment! |
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2046 Westlake Ave. N. Suite 204 Seattle, WA 98109-2700 Contact Office: (206)284-4505 Fax: (206) 284-4757  |
