What is Sleep Apnea
Our team at Innovative Sleep & TMJ Center specializes in sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are several types of sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to a blockage of the airway. Symptoms can include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, or restless sleep. OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea and can be treated effectively with oral device therapy.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):
CSA results from a failure of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the muscles to breathe.
Symptoms can include difficulty staying asleep, frequent awakenings.
Complex/Mixed Sleep Apnea:
Cause: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms: Exhibits symptoms of both OSA and central sleep apnea.
The Impact on Health
Daytime Fatigue:
Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness.
Brain Fog:
Difficulty concentrating and brain fog are a common symptom of reduce sleep duration and quality.
Cardiovascular Problems:
Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Increased Risks of:
Type II Diabetes, Erectile Dysfunction, and more!
Mood Disorders:
Irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs
Here are some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms you should keep an eye out for:
- Waking up tired
- Daytime fatigue
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing
- Frequent awakenings
- Choking
- Gasping
- Headaches
- Mood disorders
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased libido
These are not the only symptoms but may indicate you could be suffering from sleep apnea.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and presentation. The presence of symptoms doesn’t mean you have sleep apnea, but it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by a sleep professional.
Risk Factors
of Sleep Apnea
There are several factors that may increase your risk of sleep apnea:
- Obesity, particularly in individuals with a thicker neck
- Older age
- If you are male, although the risk for women rises if they are overweight, and it increases at menopause.
- Genetics and family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Sedative use
- Nasal congestion
- Conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic nasal congestion, and diabetes
- Sleeping on your back
- Large Tonsils or adenoids
Health Risks
of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea disrupts your day-to-day life with impacts such as a poor immune system, daytime fatigue and snoring. But untreated sleep apnea can lead to significant health risks:
- Cardiovascular Issues: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke due to the strain on the cardiovascular system caused by recurring interruptions in breathing.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Weight Gain: Disrupted sleep patterns can contribute to weight gain, and obesity, in turn, is a risk factor for sleep apnea, creating a cycle.
- Liver Problems: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is more prevalent in individuals with untreated sleep apnea.
- Cognitive Impairment: Long-term sleep apnea has been associated with memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of dementia.
- Complications during Surgery: Individuals with sleep apnea may face higher risks of complications during surgery and anesthesia.
Here are some statistics about sleep apnea that illustrate the importance of treating the disorder:
- Sleep apnea occurs in over 20 percent of obese people, compared to 3 percent of normal-weight individuals.
- Studies have shown successful treatment of sleep apnea can add 7 to 10 years to your life.
- Almost 40,000 people die from coexisting heart disease and sleep apnea each year.
These stats illustrate the importance of having your case of sleep apnea diagnosed. The good news for you is that sleep apnea is treatable. Our team has seen how oral appliance device therapy can help you live your best life and reduce future health risks.
It’s crucial to recognize the potential severity of these long-term health risks and seek timely diagnosis and treatment.
How Innovative Sleep & TMJ Center Can Help
At Innovative Sleep & TMJ Center, we understand how sleep apnea can impact your life. Our team, led by Dr. Randall Smith and Dr. Jake Gerard, provides comprehensive and innovative solutions to address sleep apnea and its related symptoms.
Customized Treatment:
Our team offers a range of modalities tailored to address individual needs and preferences.
Sleep apnea Testing:
Accurate diagnosis medical evaluations and at-home sleep tests
Oral device therapy:
Targeted treatments for symptoms like snoring, chronic fatigue, headaches, and more.
Treat sleep apnea today
Choosing Innovative Sleep & TMJ Center means choosing a partner committed to your well-being. Our knowledgeable and caring team is here to guide you on the path to better sleep and improved quality of life.
Take the first step towards better sleep and a healthier life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sleep Apnea and TMJ Related?
In many cases, yes! TMJ can create difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds, and even headaches. Having untreated TMJ can also cause obstructions of your airway at night, leaving TMJ patients with a combination of painful symptoms and restless nights. At Innovative Sleep & TMJ Center, we specialize in addressing TMJ in addition to sleep apnea. Reach out today to learn more.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
There are risk factors, signs, and symptoms that may indicate someone has sleep apnea. Snoring, daytime fatigue, and other common symptoms such as breathing pauses mean you could have the condition. Without a medical evaluation and sleep test, there is no sure way to tell. Our sleep professionals at Innovative Sleep & TMJ Center use at-home tests due to their accuracy, cost, and effectiveness. After an initial consultation, we’ll send you home with a test that will be reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician for proper diagnosis, and our team will work with you on a treatment plan. Our team focuses on oral device therapy but offers a wide variety of individualized treatments. There is no time too soon to get tested. Fill out the form on our website or call us today to schedule your free consultation.