Sleep apnea describes a disorder where you periodically stop breathing in your sleep, usually without even realizing it. Accompanied by loud, broken patterns of snoring, sleep apnea is often dismissed as nothing more than a nighttime nuisance, barely important unless you keep your sleeping partner awake at night. Unfortunately, sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have resounding consequences for your health and quality of life if allowed to run rampant. Your Allen dentist, Dr. Marco Cueva, explains three important things you should know about sleep apnea, and offers an innovative device to help you treat sleep apnea and get the rest you deserve.
Marked by snoring
Recently, we discussed the mechanics of snoring and how they can lead to airway blockage that causes you to stop breathing. Your oral tissues, like the other tissues in your body, relax when you sleep. In some cases, these tissues can collapse into your airway, shrinking your airway and forcing air through an increasingly smaller space. The forced air and violently vibrating tissues cause the sound of snoring, and if these tissues completely obstruct your airway, they can stop you from breathing altogether.
You probably won’t notice it on your own
Although your body panics from the lack of oxygen, it only wakes your body enough to restart the breathing process, not usually enough to wake you consciously. As a result, you may believe that you’re getting a good night’s sleep, and you can remain none the wiser until your sleeping partner forces you to seek treatment, or until you begin noticing the effects of sleep deprivation throughout your day.
Can prove detrimental to your health
Pauses in breathing in sleep apnea patients only last about ten seconds, maybe longer, each time. However, the cycle can repeat itself hundreds of times a night, preventing your mind and body from entering the deep R.E.M. (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep that they require to rejuvenate. Loss of sleep and repeated lack of oxygen can place your health at considerable risk, including an increased risk of developing heart disease, among others.
Treat Sleep Apnea & Snoring at Your Allen Dentist’s Office
To learn how to treat sleep apnea, or if you believe that you’re sleeping peacefully but still experience signs of sleep deprivation, then schedule an appointment with your Allen dentist by calling (972) 390-9944 today. Located in the 75013 area, we proudly welcome patients from Allen, Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Frisco, Fairview, Murphy, Wylie, Lewisville, Carrolton, and surrounding communities.
