Sleep Apnea Testing
If you have been informed that you snore loudly and often wake up feeling tired, there is a strong possibility that you are suffering from sleep apnea. If you believe that you may have sleep apnea, we recommend making an appointment with our dentists, Drs. Pike & Valega to begin the process of receiving a diagnosis and potentially lifesaving treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep condition characterized by the regular interruptions of breathing while asleep.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is typically identified when someone’s sleeping partner, roommate, or children inform them about their loud snoring and the cessation of their breathing during the night, as it occurs during sleep.
If you are residing by yourself, certain indications during the day could suggest a potential issue with sleep apnea. These signs comprise of:
- Experiencing sudden breathlessness during the night
- Waking up with a parched mouth or aching throat
- Frequent occurrences of headaches and migraines, particularly in the morning
- Difficulty in maintaining sleep (insomnia)
- Daytime drowsiness or difficulty in remaining alert (hypersomnia)
- Incapacity to concentrate throughout the day
- Feeling irritable
- Always feel tired
If any of the symptoms mentioned above are present, including loud snoring or being told that your breathing stops during the night, it is highly recommended that you make an appointment to have your sleep apnea assessed.
To receive a diagnosis for sleep apnea, an at home sleep study is necessary. Drs. Pike & Valega can discuss this very important sleep study. They can send you home with an overnight sleep study, which you bring back the next morning. Then they download the information into the computer and it is read by sleep M.D. and a report is written.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There are two main factors that cause sleep apnea, and the root cause of the condition leads to varying diagnoses of different types of sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most prevalent form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when a person’s airway is physically blocked during sleep, typically because the soft tissues in their neck and throat collapse and obstruct the passage of air. Although it is frequently found in individuals who are overweight or obese, even those who maintain a healthy weight can experience obstructive sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea occurs when a person’s nervous system disorder interrupts or obstructs the transmission of breathing signals from the brain to the muscles responsible for controlling the airway, resulting in regular interruptions in breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea is identified when an individual experiences a mixture of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Risks: The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea poses various dangers to both health and safety. Continuously having poor sleep quality can potentially make you a hazard in the workplace or while operating a vehicle.
Moreover, frequently experiencing pauses in breathing during sleep limits your oxygen levels and places strain on your entire body. This can heighten your chances of developing or exacerbating heart disease as well as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver issues, and other related health conditions — not to mention the strain that your loud snoring likely puts on your partner (secondary snoring).
Discover How Pike & Valega, DDS Can Assist You with Sleep Apnea
A CPAP machine is one of the primary treatments for sleep apnea, as it helps maintain consistent breathing and oxygen levels during sleep. However, if you have a specific type of sleep apnea, we may be able to offer an alternative treatment at our office. This involves using a customized nightguard that prevents your airways from collapsing while you sleep.
If you would like to gather more information about sleep apnea or wish to schedule an evaluation at Pike & Valega, DDS, please feel free to reach out to us today.
