Have you ever heard of obstructive sleep apnea? It is a type of sleep disorder wherein your sleep quality and the potential for the day are affected. Let us delve into what exactly it is, what the causes are, how one can identify it, and how a dentist in Calgary can determine whether you have it.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles are too relaxed during sleep. It causes obstruction in your airway or too much narrowing. You, therefore, can not breathe for a few seconds.
Your brain wakes you up partly to breathe, and this action may happen several times during the night. You may, therefore, never have a refreshing night’s sleep, which may leave you feeling very tired during the day.
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Several factors can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. This involves;
- Weight: Too much body weight can cause fat to accumulate in the neck area, thus reducing the strength of the airway.
- Age: As people get older, throat muscles weaken and can collapse during sleep.
- Family History: You are likely to have sleep apnea if your parents or any other close family member has the same problem.
- Narrow Airway: Some people naturally have a smaller airway. Enlarged tonsils, or adenoids, block the airway. This is mostly a problem for children.
- Gender: Although women sometimes develop sleep apnea, more men are diagnosed to have sleep apnea than women. Women can easily develop sleep apnea after menopause.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Drinking alcohol relaxes the throat muscles too much, while smoking inflames the airway. Either of these can worsen sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
So, how does one know if someone might have obstructive sleep apnea? Here are some common signs:
- Loud Snoring: While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, very loud and chronic snoring is a common symptom.
- Gasping for Air While Sleeping: A person who wakes up suddenly and has the feeling that they are gagging or choking may be showing one of the symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Sleep apnea affects one’s sleep. As a result, the individual may get very tired during the day. They might nod off at undesired times of the day, for instance, in class or when viewing television.
- Morning Headaches: A person may also wake up with a headache as a sign of sleep apnea.
- Problem Focusing: If a person does not have adequate sleep, he finds it hard to focus or remember things.
- Mood Changes: A person can become grumpy or moody if he doesn’t get enough sleep.
Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you or someone in your family has these symptoms, then it is best that you seek a professional obstructive sleep apnea treatment near you. Here is how doctors diagnose obstructive sleep apnea:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will ask about the symptoms one has been having and examine the throat, mouth, and nose for blockage or any abnormality.
- Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This is one of the most common tests designed for diagnosing sleep apnea. One will have to spend a night in a sleep centre where doctors monitor the sleep process. Everything from heart rate to breathing to oxygen levels in the blood is noted to find out whether one has sleep apnea or not.
- Home Sleep Apnea Test: Some doctors may recommend a home sleep test. This type of test means sleeping at home with special equipment on your body that measures nearly the same things as the sleep study but may be more convenient for some patients.
Glamorgan Dental Can Help You Overcome Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea remains an important condition. It affects even the quality of life and general health. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and how it’s diagnosed can help you or someone you know have a healthy life ahead. So you shouldn’t ignore the signs of sleep apnea.
If you have symptoms and might have sleep apnea, visit a dentist in SW Calgary at Glamorgan Dental right away. Proper treatment can help you sleep better at night and feel more alert and awake during the day. Remember: Good sleep is important for everyone.
