5 Facts about Sleep Apnea You Should Know

Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleeping disorder affecting millions of people across the globe. Typically, the condition is characterized by loud snoring and pauses in your breathing. It is quite challenging to know when you’re suffering from apnea, especially if you live alone. But there are some signs you can always be on the lookout for. In this blog, we will discuss sleep apnea in detail to help you make an informed decision.

How Do I Know I Have Sleep Apnea?

• Gasping for air in your sleep
• Loud snoring
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Feeling tired and sleepy during the day
• Mood swings
• Finding it difficult to pay attention
• A dry throat, especially in the mornings.

If you experience any of the above signs and symptoms, talk to a doctor or dentist near you for a diagnosis. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist in Multnomah Village. You can be assured of services of the highest quality.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Studies show that at least 70 percent of individuals suffering from sleep apnea are overweight. However, that does not mean that only overweight people suffer from apnea, or you cannot be affected by it if you are not overweight. Some of the factors that may increase the risk of getting sleep apnea include:

• Family history of sleep apnea. Like many medical conditions, if there is a history of sleep apnea in your family, you are at a high risk of suffering from it.
• People who smoke are at a higher risk of suffering from sleep apnea.
• Untreated hypothyroidism.
• People struggling with cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure are at a higher risk.
• Gender: Like Covid-19, sleep apnea is more common in the male gender than in the female. There is no solid explanation as to why it affects more men, though.

There Are Three Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea. It is characterized by gasping for air at night and loud snoring. This type of apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat are blocked in your sleep.

The second type of sleep apnea is called central sleep apnea. It often occurs if there is a disconnect between your brain and muscles. When that happens, the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles, making it hard for them to control your breathing.

The third and final type of sleep apnea is referred to as complex sleep apnea syndrome or mixed sleep apnea. This happens if obstructive and central sleep apnea coincides.

Sleep apnea is not a fatal disease, but it is still important to get treatment. It can affect your day-to-day activities, including how you work. It can also increase your stress levels. We are here for you if you are looking for a sleep apnea doctor near you in Portland.

Sleep Apnea Can Be Treated

There are several sleep apnea treatments, and the right one for you will depend on the severity of the condition. One of the most common treatments is through the use of appliances such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The appliance keeps your airways open, stopping the snoring and allowing you to enjoy quality sleep.

If the apnea is caused by an underlying medical condition, treatment of the condition could cure apnea in the process. If all treatments fail to work for you, the doctor may have to consider the surgical approach. There are several surgeries for sleep apnea, and your doctor will choose the best surgery for your condition.

At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Adapting several lifestyle changes can help improve sleep apnea in Portland. Some changes you might want to practice include:

• Lose a few pounds if you are overweight.
• Practice yoga as it has been proved to help reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
• Change your sleeping position and avoid back sleeping. Back sleepers are at a higher risk of sleep apnea.
• Quit drinking alcohol and smoking or using tobacco products.
• Try lavender aromatherapy
• Take honey every night before sleeping.

Serene Dental

Talk to our Multnomah Village dentist and let us help you with your sleep apnea problem. Our services are of the highest quality, and you can also count on us for dental services. Our services include dental implants, teeth whitening, dental cleaning, and more. Book an appointment now.