Did you know that sleep apnea affects over 30 million Americans and there are 60 million Americans that have not been diagnosed? Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to severe health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke if it is left untreated. Today, we will take a look at the basics of sleep apnea, whether or not it is hereditary, its contributing factors, and effective treatments that can help you get a better night’s rest. By learning more about this condition, you can take the necessary steps to improve both your health and your quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing frequently stops and starts again while sleeping. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and a wide variety of other health problems.
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is the most widely diagnosed type. It is caused by air flow being blocked. In sleep apnea, the blockage is soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing to the point it blocks flow of air.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA). This type happens when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex or mixed sleep apnea. This is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of any kind of sleep apnea are snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other signs can include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Is Sleep Apnea Hereditary?
Yes, sleep apnea can be hereditary. Genetic factors play a significant role in the likelihood of developing this condition. If you have a family member with sleep apnea, your risk of having it is higher. Research shows that certain genetic factors contribute to obstructive sleep apnea.
Studies have found that people with a family history of sleep apnea are more likely to develop the condition. For example, having parents or siblings with sleep apnea increases your risk. Genetic factors can influence other related conditions, such as obesity and large neck circumference, which are also risk factors for sleep apnea.
Family history is an important part of assessing your risk for sleep apnea. If sleep apnea runs in your family, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical advice if you experience any. Early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
What Else Contributes to Sleep Apnea?
Several factors can contribute to sleep apnea other than genetics. Lifestyle factors like weight, smoking, and alcohol use play a significant role. Being overweight increases the likelihood of fatty deposits around the upper airway, which can obstruct breathing. Smoking can inflame and retain fluid in the airway, making sleep apnea more likely. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, leading to airway blockage during sleep.
Medical conditions also contribute to sleep apnea. Nasal congestion, whether from allergies or structural issues, can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, leading to obstructive sleep apnea. Anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, can also block the airway.
Age and gender are important factors as well. Sleep apnea is more common in older adults because of muscle tone loss in the throat. While men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, women have a greater risk once they are past menopause.
How Do I Treat Sleep Apnea?
There are several options available to help treat your sleep apnea condition, depending on the severity and type of apnea that you have. Dentists play a significant role in treating sleep apnea because they have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide custom oral appliances. These devices are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, which can significantly help improve breathing during sleep.
Dentists collaborate with sleep specialists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan. They may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the severity of the apnea and work closely with other healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust your treatments as needed.
Other medical treatments include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines. A CPAP machine keeps the airway open by providing a steady stream of air through a mask. This is one of the most common treatments for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Surgery is another option, especially for anyone who has anatomical issues that are contributing to their sleep apnea. Surgical procedures can remove excess tissue, reposition the jaw, or correct structural problems in the nose and throat.
Lifestyle changes are also important. Weight loss can significantly reduce symptoms, as excess weight is one of the major risk factors. Quitting smoking and cutting back on your alcohol intake can also help improve airway function and reduce apnea episodes.
By combining these treatment options, people with sleep apnea can get a better quality of sleep and experience a boost in their overall health. Consulting with a dentist and other healthcare providers will ensure a personalized plan that can help you overcome this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main symptoms of sleep apnea?
The main symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, waking up frequently, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How can a dentist help in treating sleep apnea?
A dentist can help treat sleep apnea by providing custom oral devices that keep the airway open while you sleep. These devices reposition the jaw and tongue to improve airflow. Dentists work closely with sleep specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care and effective treatment.
Are there non-medical ways to reduce sleep apnea symptoms?
Yes, lifestyle changes can reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can improve airway function. Sleeping on your side instead of your back and sticking to a regular sleep schedule can also help manage symptoms and improve your quality of sleep.
Find Out How Our Team Can Help With Sleep Apnea
Are you ready to tackle sleep apnea? Book your consultation with Atlanta Smiles to find out how our team of dentists can help you. We specialize in custom oral appliances to treat sleep apnea and work closely with sleep specialists to provide complete comprehensive care. Don’t wait to improve your sleep and overall health. Contact Atlanta Smiles today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards better sleep.