Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, causing a partial or complete airway blockage. The most common symptom is loud, persistent snoring, leading many people to dismiss sleep apnea as an annoying snoring problem. But it’s actually far more serious than that. The frequent disruptions to the sleep cycle and the lower oxygen levels from repeated pauses in breathing due to the dangerous sleep disorder can lead to serious possible health consequences and negatively impact quality of life. Follow along today as our airway dentist in Santa Cruz explains the risks and treatments for OSA.
What are common symptoms of OSA?
Sleep apnea is often undiagnosed because people are unaware of what happens while they sleep. Sleeping partners or roommates are usually the first to alert someone that they may have sleep apnea.
The most common symptoms of the sleeping disorder include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep, usually following long pauses in breathing
- Insomnia or waking frequently from sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Irritability and/or mood swings
What are the serious risks of sleep apnea?
Cardiovascular problems
Repeated interruptions in breathing can lead to increased blood pressure and strain on the heart which, over time, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Cardiovascular problems are the most serious potential risk associated with sleep apnea; studies have revealed that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from heart-related issues than those without the condition.
- Accidents caused by excessive daytime sleepiness
Sleep apnea leads to poor sleep quality, causing people to feel exhausted during the day, even though they thought they slept for eight or more hours the night before. Poor sleep and the subsequent fatigue makes concentrating at work or school difficult and increases the risk of accidents, particularly when behind the wheel of a vehicle. Drivers with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in serious crashes due to impaired alertness.
Metabolic and weight issues
Obesity is the leading cause for obstructive sleep apnea, due in large part to the additional weight of fat on the neck and throat. At the same time, suffering from sleep apnea makes it difficult to lose weight. It’s a vicious cycle. Sleep apnea can also lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Mental health impact
Chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Poor sleep quality is linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The constant fatigue and sleep disturbances people experience because of sleep apnea can make it challenging for them to maintain a positive outlook on life and effectively handle normal daily stressors.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated. Simple lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising daily and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, can help. While surgery may be recommended for the most extreme cases of OSA, mild to moderate cases can usually successfully be treated with either a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or oral appliance therapy through our sleep apnea dentist in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry. Oral appliances are custom-made, comfortable devices similar to mouthguards that reposition the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open at night while a person sleeps. The aligners are comfortable, portable and often preferred by our patients who find CPAP machines and masks cumbersome and hard to clean.
GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP IN SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, AND LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can’t be ignored; the potential consequences are far too grave. If you suspect that you or someone in your household may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, a solution could be as close as our Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry office. We are committed to helping our patients understand and treat sleep apnea. Give us a call at (831) 824-5111, or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation today.