Do I Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a widely prevalent sleep disorder that requires immediate medical attention. It is categorized by interrupted breathing patterns during sleep. In short, an individual will stop breathing momentarily throughout the night. While sleeping, the airflow gets obstructed due to the frequent blocking of the upper nasal passages. As a result, the body doesn't get sufficient oxygen, and the brain is forced to wake you up from your natural sleep rhythm. 

If sleep apnea is not cured on time, it can have severe consequences for your health. At Roshan Emam D.D.S.in Palo Alto, CA, we will help treat your condition before suffering from the worst of the long-term damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Some of the significant symptoms are:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking or for breath
• Repeated pauses in breathing
• Insomnia or restlessness during sleep
• Waking up due to shortness of breath
• A dry or sore mouth after waking
• Daytime fatigue, exhaustion, and sleepiness
• Morning headaches, forgetfulness
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Moodiness, constant irritability, or depression

What Are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are three types of sleep apnea. They are:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway gets blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. As a consequence, the brain stops sending signals to the body to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and is characterized by loud snoring.

• Central Sleep Apnea

In this type of sleep apnea, the brain does not signal the muscles that control breathing due to variability in the respiratory control center.

• Complex Sleep Apnea

Complex sleep apnea occurs when a patient is suffering from both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

There are many therapies to treat sleep apnea, such as:

• Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

In this method, a CPAP mask-like machine is worn over the nose and mouth to provide a continuous airflow to keep the airway open.

• Dental Devices

Mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining appliances are used to treat mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea. These tailor-made dental devices bring a patient's lower jaw or tongue forward while asleep to keep the airway open.

• Sleep Apnea Implants

In this system, a pacemaker is used to excite the muscles to keep the airways open. 

• Surgery

In extreme cases, surgery is done to expand the size of a patient's airway to ensure a regular and healthy breathing pattern while asleep. Surplus tissue, tonsils, or adenoids are sometimes extracted from the throat or nose to reconstruct the jaw to expand the upper airway.

If you are interested in learning more about sleep apnea treatments, call Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA at (650) 321-0340 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Emam.