What Is Sleep Apnea?
People with sleep apnea suffer from periodic upper airway obstructions. As they doze, their upper respiratory tracts become blocked. This tends to happen repeatedly, meaning their breathing halts and restarts over and over.
Sleep Apnea Variants
Sleep apnea is common, but not every case is the same. There are two main variants:
- Central sleep apnea: This condition involves your brain failing to send the proper messages to your airway and chest muscles.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: This type of sleep apnea happens when something restricts your airway. For instance, you might have naturally large tonsils. Conditions like obesity or changing hormones can also be risk factors.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect You?
One result of having sleep apnea is that your body might not get the oxygen it needs. You might also snore or produce sounds that disturb your partner.
Many sleep apnea sufferers find they don’t feel well rested. This can make it difficult to focus and go about your daily business safely. These outcomes have major negative impacts on your quality of life and health.
How Can You Treat Sleep Apnea?
Effective sleep apnea treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Your caregiver may ask you to participate in a sleep study to observe what happens when you snooze, including recording your vitals.
After being diagnosed, you’ll have a few options. Some patients use continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines to help them breathe smoothly. Others undergo surgical interventions designed to remedy whatever’s behind their apnea.
Some people find that lifestyle changes go a long way. For instance, quitting smoking can reduce the inflammation in your airways to help you breathe easier. Simple changes like sleeping on your side may also work.
Learn More About Your Sleep Apnea at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston
There are lots of ways to deal with sleep apnea. However, it’s critical to consult a caregiver to choose the best solution for you.
Find out where you stand and how your life could improve by talking to the experts at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute of Houston. Visit in person by booking an appointment online or by calling 281-491-4545.
