Sleep Apnea - Anchorage, AK

Sleep Apnea At South Anchorage Dental Center

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds to a few minutes and occur multiple times throughout the night. Sleep apnea can significantly impact your overall health and well-being if left untreated.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open during sleep. It leads to repeated pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA is not caused by a blockage in the airway. Instead, it occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA): Also known as mixed sleep apnea, this type combines obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes

Risks and Complications

Sleep apnea can have various adverse effects on your health, including:

• High Blood Pressure: The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels during sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
• Heart Problems: Sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
• Diabetes: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Weight Gain: Sleep apnea and obesity often go hand in hand, and weight gain can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.

Treatment Options

Effective treatment for sleep apnea can improve your sleep quality and overall health. Here are some standard treatment options:

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep. The mask delivers continuous air pressure to keep the airway open.
2. Oral Appliances: These devices are customized by dentists to help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Certain lifestyle changes can improve sleep apnea symptoms, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side.

Don't Let Sleep Apnea Affect Your Quality of Life

If you think you have sleep apnea, South Anchorage Dental Centers can help. Our experienced team offers diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Don't let sleep apnea affect your life. Contact us today for a consultation and start sleeping better.