Sleep apnea is a sleep condition that causes one to stop and start repeatedly breathing in their sleep. The effect of this is a poor night’s sleep, which causes fatigue and unproductiveness on the following day.
There are three categories of sleep apnea, depending on what causes them. The first type is obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common. This is caused by the relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles, which causes them to fall back and block the air passageway.
The second type is referred to as central sleep apnea. This is a bit more serious than the former, and it occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing, thus causing the condition. The third type is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea, and it can be a fatal condition if medical intervention is not sought immediately.
This type is referred to as complex sleep apnea syndrome. Lancaster Dental Care Associates is a dental practice with a number of specialists who can help you in your sleep apnea Lancaster, ca condition.
There are a number of telltale signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnea. If you happen to notice the occurrence of any or all of them, do not hesitate to contact us for efficient sleep apnea Lancaster, ca treatment.
The most common sign is loud snoring at night. You may also experience episodes of lack of breathing in your sleep. This can be observed by someone else, and if they inform you of it, then you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
Other symptoms include gasping for air at night, lack of sleep at night-insomnia-waking up with a headache, irritability, and excessive feeling of fatigue and sleepiness during the day. Sometimes you may also wake up with a dry mouth.
Though sleep apnea may affect anyone, young or old, there are a number of risk factors that may increase the chances of the condition occurring. These include excessive weight, thick necks, family history, the use of alcohol, smoking, nasal congestion, and so on.
Sometimes gender too could be a contributing factor as we find that males are more prone to sleep apnea than females.
The first noticeable effect of sleep apnea is fatigue during the day. This is because you will have lacked enough sleep and rest at night. You will find that it will be difficult for you to concentrate at work and you may even keep falling asleep.
Sleep apnea is also a contributing factor to serious medical complications such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea also leaves you prone to type 2 diabetes as you gradually become resistant to insulin.
If you suspect to be suffering from sleep apnea, it is wise to seek help from a qualified practice like Lancaster Dental Care Associates.
There are a number of procedures to correct the complications, and they do not necessarily have to involve surgery unless the case is very severe.
