Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be a potentially fatal sleep disorder that is characterized by interruptions in breathing while you sleep.

There are 2 types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a lot more common (and less severe + more treatable) than central sleep apnea.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

An apnea is a pause in breathing, which is where the term “sleep apnea” is derived. There are other less noticeable, but common sleep apnea symptoms:

  • Constant daytime sleepiness
  • Loud snoring
  • Breathing cessation during sleep (this is often detected by someone else)
  • Dry mouth, sore throat, or headaches upon waking up
  • Waking up abruptly through the night with shortness of breath
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty maintaining attention

You may notice that a few of these symptoms are directly related to receiving an insufficient amount of sleep, such as daytime sleepiness. That is why is important to seek treatment – you need your normal allotted hours of REM sleep (6-8 hours recommended per night). With sleep apnea, it is very difficult to maintain a routine sleep schedule.

Sleep Apnea Screening

It is estimated that around 80% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are remain undiagnosed.

If you suspect you have symptoms of sleep apnea because of an inability to sleep at night, then you may want to consider a sleep apnea screening with our Los Angeles sleep apnea dentists. You will be thoroughly examined in order for an accurate diagnosis that leads to the correct treatment. Sleep apnea can be successfully treated without the use of surgery.

If you have questions, concerns, or inquiries regarding sleep apnea dentistry, then please do not hesitate to call our dental office.