All about sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that makes breathing difficult during sleep. It can disrupt your breathing more than 30 times per night and is marked by pauses in breathing, gasping while asleep, waking with headaches, daytime fatigue, and loud snoring that may disturb your partner.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common type, caused by tissues in the back of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Caused by a problem in the communication between the brain and muscles that control breathing.
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
What are the benefits of sleep apnea treatment?
A good night’s sleep is essential for your emotional and physical health. Even if you do not remember waking up during the night, sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle, affecting your health, relationships, and quality of life. Beyond better sleep, treatment offers:
Improved physical health
Treating sleep apnea lowers the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and stress on your metabolism. It may also reduce risks related to surgery or medication.
Mental clarity and focus
Sleep apnea sufferers often wake feeling groggy and foggy. Treatment helps patients feel sharper and more alert during the day.
Stronger relationships
Reducing snoring and restlessness improves sleep for both you and your partner. Better sleep means better moods, making parenting, work, and social life more enjoyable.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of sleep apnea and your lifestyle. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, trust a caring Dentist in Vancouver BC to guide you to the right treatment. Contact us today for a consultation.
Lifestyle changes
Mild cases can sometimes be managed at home. A Dentist in Vancouver BC may suggest losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sleep medications, changing sleep positions, improving sleep hygiene, and quitting smoking. These steps are often recommended along with other treatments.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is a common treatment involving a mask worn over the nose or mouth while sleeping. The mask connects to a machine that delivers steady air pressure to keep your airway open. Different mask styles and machines exist to fit your needs.
Oral appliances
Some devices worn in the mouth during sleep can ease sleep apnea symptoms. They work by pulling the jaw forward, stabilizing the tongue, or reducing snoring. These devices often look and feel like mouthguards.
Surgery and medication
Certain cases require surgery or medication. Common surgeries include repairing a deviated septum, widening the throat or airway, or adjusting the jaw to relieve blockages.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms include loud or frequent snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, waking up choking or gasping, frequent night bathroom visits, and waking feeling unrefreshed. Daytime symptoms may include headaches, poor concentration, irritability, memory problems, and reduced sexual desire.
Obstructive sleep apnea is often linked to excess weight. However, many factors can cause sleep apnea. A professional exam is needed to diagnose the type and cause.
Yes. Your brain briefly wakes you to open your airway, but these moments can be so brief you do not recall them. You may wake many times a night without remembering, feeling tired the next day.
Risk is higher if you are overweight, male, have family history of sleep apnea, use alcohol or sleep aids, smoke, or have nasal congestion. Older adults also face increased risk.
Research suggests sleeping on your side is best for reducing sleep apnea and snoring.
Yes. While many people with sleep apnea are overweight, thin people can develop it for other reasons.
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