Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, it can lead to significant health issues if left untreated. At Mitra H. Bral, DDS, we are committed to helping our patients understand sleep apnea, recognize its symptoms, and explore effective treatment options.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur hundreds of times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA, occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing a temporary blockage of the upper airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA is less common than OSA and is often associated with other medical conditions.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type is a combination of OSA and CSA. It occurs when someone with OSA develops CSA while using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Identifying sleep apnea can be challenging, as many of its symptoms may overlap with other conditions. However, common signs include:
- Loud Snoring: While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and frequent snoring, especially if it’s accompanied by choking or gasping sounds, can be a key indicator.
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: People with sleep apnea often feel excessively tired during the day despite having a full night’s sleep. This can lead to difficulty concentrating and falling asleep during the day.
- Restless Sleep: Frequent awakenings, gasping for air, or feeling like you’re choking during sleep can be signs of sleep apnea.
- Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches can be a result of poor oxygenation and elevated carbon dioxide levels during sleep.
- Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: Breathing through the mouth due to obstructed airflow can lead to a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking.
- Irritability or Mood Changes: Chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can cause irritability, mood swings, and even depression.
- Difficulty Paying Attention: Sleep apnea can affect cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate or remember things.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. At Mitra H. Bral, DDS, we offer comprehensive evaluations to diagnose sleep apnea. The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:
- Medical History and Symptoms Review: Our dentist will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms to assess your risk of sleep apnea.
- Physical Examination: An examination of your throat, mouth, and nasal passages can help determine if there are physical obstructions or other signs of sleep apnea.
- Sleep Study: A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is often required to diagnose sleep apnea accurately. This can be done in a sleep clinic (in-lab study) or at home (home sleep apnea test). During the study, various physiological parameters such as breathing patterns, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels are monitored throughout the night.
- Home Sleep Apnea Test: For some patients, a home sleep apnea test may be recommended. This involves using a portable device to monitor your sleep patterns and breathing at home.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying causes. Here are some common treatment options:
Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. These changes may include:
- Weight Loss: Excess weight can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea by increasing fat deposits around the neck and throat. Losing weight can alleviate symptoms in some patients.
- Positional Therapy: Sleeping on your back can worsen obstructive sleep apnea. Using positional therapy, such as sleeping on your side, may help.
- Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat, making obstructive sleep apnea worse.
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, exacerbating sleep apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. A CPAP machine uses a mask to deliver a continuous stream of air that keeps the airway open during sleep.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
For patients who find CPAP uncomfortable or ineffective, BiPAP machines provide two different pressures — one for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation. This can be more comfortable for some patients.
Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)
APAP machines automatically adjust the air pressure throughout the night based on your breathing patterns. This can provide a more customized treatment experience.
Oral Appliances
Dental appliances or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can be effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
Surgery
In cases where other treatments are not effective, surgical options may be considered. Surgical procedures can include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removal of excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.
- Genioglossus Advancement (GA): Repositioning the tongue muscle attachment to prevent airway collapse.
- Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): Repositioning the upper and lower jaw to open the airway.
- Inspire Therapy: A surgically implanted device that stimulates the airway muscles to prevent collapse during sleep.
The Importance of Treatment
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health issues, including:
- Cardiovascular Problems: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Daytime Fatigue: Reduced alertness and performance, increasing the risk of accidents and impaired cognitive function.
- Complications With Medications and Surgery: Difficulty managing anesthesia and medications during surgery or other medical procedures.
Why Choose Mitra H. Bral, DDS?
At Mitra H. Bral, DDS, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with sleep apnea. Dr. Bral and her experienced staff work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have been diagnosed and need further evaluation or treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. By addressing sleep apnea promptly and effectively, we can help improve your quality of life and overall health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have any concerns about sleep apnea or want to learn more about how we can assist you, please contact us at (310) 278-5159 to schedule an appointment. Our team at Mitra H. Bral, DDS, is here to support you in achieving restful, healthy sleep and a better quality of life.
