Sleep apnea is a condition that can be potentially dangerous if left untreated. This condition is not only about snoring loudly at night and annoying your spouse with the noise. Sleep apnea goes more in-depth and has implications that a person might not hear of.
What are the different types of Sleep Apnea?
- Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and serious sleep disorder where the throat muscles relax and collapse at the back of the throat. When this occurs, the airways are blocked, and limited air enters the lungs.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a faulty transmission of brain signals which interferes with the muscles responsible for breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome consists of obstructive and central sleep apnea. This condition may also be known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Several symptoms will indicate if a person has sleep apnea. At night, a person with sleep apnea is expected to snore loudly with gasps and pauses while breathing—only to become aware when this occurrence is reported by the person sleeping next to them. After a terrible sleep session, they will wake up in the morning with dry mouth and a headache. Their day will continue with irritability and the inability to focus on tasks. Some people with this condition may experience difficulty to stay asleep at night and excessive sleepiness during the day.
What complications does Sleep Apnea bring?
Sleep apnea might not seem like a dangerous condition to some people, but it actually brings a handful of complications. Here is a list of possible complications that sleep apnea may bring.
- Studies have shown that sleep apnea is a risk factor for heart disease and high blood pressure. The abrupt dropping of oxygen levels while a person sleeps at night increases a person’s blood pressure which strains the cardiovascular system. The risk of having hypertension is increased as well.
- Complications during major surgeries may arise due to sleep apnea. Once a person is sedated while lying on the surgical bed, the procedure might be affected because of the patient’s breathing problem.
- Daytime tiredness is a definite result of sleep apnea. The lack of a good night’s sleep will drain a person’s energy from their body. The motor function will decrease, and a person might struggle with daily tasks such as driving to work. Thus, people with sleep apnea have an increased risk of vehicular accidents.
Do you suspect that you or a loved one might be experiencing sleep apnea? BridgeView Dental offers Sleep Apnea Treatment in Austin, TX to provide the best treatment for your nighttime troubles. You can find us at 3801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., #J240, Austin, TX 78746.