Sleep apnea can be quite common, and it might be what is making you feel tired all the time. Here’s a look at what sleep apnea is, some of the symptoms, and how to treat it.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
As defined by the Mayo Clinic, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing stops and starts. It can be quite serious. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: By far, the most common form of sleep apnea, this is caused by the relaxation of throat muscles.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Signal problems between the brain and body lead to stopped breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This is caused by the combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Many of the symptoms of these types of sleep apnea overlap, which can prove a challenge in determining which kind of sleep apnea a person has.
At its core, Sleep Apnea is a product of TMJ and something you should have assessed. When the jaw is out of alignment, is obstructs the airways, causing sleep apnea.
What Are the Primary Symptoms?
One of the main symptoms of sleep apnea is loud snoring. If you snore loudly it is important to monitor yourself for any other signs of sleep apnea. It is also worth noting that you can have sleep apnea without any snoring. Additional symptoms include gasping for air while asleep and waking up with a dry mouth or headache. People who suffer from sleep apnea may have a hard time staying asleep (insomnia) as well as having a hard time staying awake during the day (hypersomnia). They may also have a hard time paying attention throughout their day.
What Complications Can Sleep Apnea Cause?
Sleep apnea can lead to some serious consequences. In addition to being tired during the daytime, these include high blood pressure and heart problems, as well as Type 2 diabetes, liver problems and other health complications. Additionally, sleep apnea can cause distress to a person’s partner by interfering with their sleep. Sleep apnea has been linked to higher rates of depression and even car accidents.
Here at TMJ Pain and Sleep Center, we specialize in sleep disorder dentistry. If you’re tired of sleep apnea, we can help you through the process of diagnosing and treating this potentially serious condition.