Many people go years suffering from sleep apnea without seeking treatment. Is it a big deal? The Greek word “apnea” translates to “without breath.” Sleep without breath can contribute to a lower health-related quality of life. Allow us to explain why sleep apnea should be addressed immediately.
The Seriousness of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea itself is not deadly, but the health conditions that arise from living years with this condition can be fatal. Sleep apnea can contribute to the formation of high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, and depression – just to name a few. These health conditions may form because your body is not getting the downtime it needs during sleep to rejuvenate and repair vital parts of your body.
The Sleep Foundation created a helpful chart that outlines how much sleep each age group should get and offers tips on making sleep a priority. Are you getting enough, high-quality sleep? Sleep apnea can drastically affect the quality of sleep you get each night. If you or your partner notices the following symptoms of sleep apnea, make an appointment with Dr. Tomlinson to discuss treatment options:
- Daytime fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Loud snoring
- Obesity
- Pauses in breathing
Let’s uncover the different types of sleep apnea and the treatment options available.
Sleep Apnea Types & Treatment Options
There are three different types of sleep apnea – obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airways are blocked due to throat tissue collapsing. Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a disconnect between your brain and muscles; therefore, your muscles are not told by the brain to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the two – obstructive and central.
Depending on the cause and type of sleep apnea that you’re dealing with, you may be able to find relief from this condition via a CPAP machine, oral appliances, or jaw surgery. Your Watkinsville oral surgeon, Dr. Tomlinson, can assess your condition and talk to you about the best treatment option.