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Let's talk about apnea. The word “apnea” literally means “without breath.” There are three types of sleep apnea. In all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.
- The most common type of apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
- A blocked airway does not cause central sleep apnea but rather the brain’s failure to signal the muscles to breathe.
- Mixed apnea is a combination of the two.
With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea so that they can resume breathing, but consequently, sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.
How Common is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is very common and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. A sign that a person has apnea is snoring. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children.
Yet still, because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.
The Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotence, headaches, and even death. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes.
People who have severe snoring episodes during sleep will have a spouse who complains of having interrupted sleep as well. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated right here at Cater Galante Orthodontics. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment may involve a sleep study, a referral to a sleep medicine physician, and, ultimately, an oral appliance to cure your apnea. Our office can help you find the appliance that is right for your particular problem. After your initial consultation, Drs. Cater and Galante will determine the best course of action for you.
Many patients report feeling exhausted during the day, having trouble staying awake mid-afternoon, and, in general, feeling somewhat depressed and lethargic on a regular basis. Weight gain is also a symptom of undiagnosed sleep apnea.
You do not need to live with these symptoms any longer. There is help available, and it can be a very easy solution.
Reach Out for Your Free Consultation Today!
Schedule your free consultation today online or by calling (530) 274-4411 and asking Drs. Cater and Galante more about what sleep apnea treatment could mean for you and your life moving forward.
