Do you snore? Do you feel excessively tired during the day? You may be suffering from sleep apnea. Undiagnosed, sleep apnea can lead to several health problems. Keep reading for more information on sleep apnea, including how to recognize the symptoms and get help. 

What happens during sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can cause unbearable discomfort for people who suffer from it. When the airway muscles relax during sleep and block off airflow, you may not get enough oxygen in your body which leads to waking episodes where breathing pauses for 10 seconds or more. 

What are the signs?

It’s no secret that sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition. However, many people are not aware of the signs that they might have. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea listed below, be sure to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection is key in preventing more serious health problems. 

• Dry mouth upon waking up
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Sleepiness at day time
• Irritability
• Gasping for air when sleeping
• Loses focus and concentration

Who are at risk for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can impact your health and quality of life. Anyone can be affected by sleep apnea but some people are at greater risk than others. 

1. Having a large neck circumference
2. Male
3. Being overweight
4. People who smoke and drink alcohol excessively
5. People with medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
6. People with a family history of sleep apnea

Diagnosis

Doctors gave different ways to diagnose sleep apnea. Each method listed below will help doctors get a better understanding of what’s causing the patients’ sleep problems. 

1. They will ask about your medical history.

Doctors need to have a complete picture of what they are facing when it comes to treating patients. Your symptoms, family history and any complications will be taken into consideration. 

2. They will conduct a physical exam.

Your doctor may perform a physical exam to check other signs such as large tonsils, neck circumference and even the size of your jaw. With the physical exam, they will if anything is blocking your breathing passages. 

3. They will study your sleep pattern.

The doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist who will conduct a series of tests that will help them determine your sleep patterns. The test includes :

• Examining the blood oxygen levels while sleeping
• Watching the activities of the heart and brain
• Identify events where you stop breathing

Can sleep apnea be prevented?

There are many sleep apnea treatments which include lifestyle changes, surgery and medications. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition and individual preferences. Some people find that lifestyle changes help them to control their sleep apnea, while others need surgery or medication to improve their symptoms. Below are the common treatments for sleep apnea.

• Continuous positive airway pressure

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a medical device that helps people with sleep apnea breathe more easily. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask that is connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air through the nose to the lungs. This helps keep the airways open and prevents pauses in breathing. 

• BPAP machine 

It is also known as a bilevel positive airway pressure machine. This machine uses two levels of air pressure: one when you are inhaling and one when you are exhaling.  This helps keep the airways open and ensures that you get enough oxygen while you sleep. 

• Oral appliances

These are custom-made devices such as snore guards that fit in your mouth and help keep your airway open while you sleep. Oral appliances are a good choice if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea. Consult your dentist in Markham to know which treatment is right for you. 

You deserve a good night’s sleep

If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, schedule a visit with your dentist in Markham. They can recommend treatment options to help you with your sleeping disorder. Don’t delay. Schedule an appointment today!