Have you ever been told that you snore loudly or stop breathing while asleep? If so, you might be suffering from sleep apnea, a disorder affecting an increasing number of people.
This article will discuss the three main types of sleep apnea, their causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options.
So, let’s dive in and clear the air around this mysterious sleeping disorder.
What Are The Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
Here’s a brief overview of the three primary types of sleep apnea we’ll discuss: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, affecting about 84% of sleep apnea cases. OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, causing airway collapse during sleep. As a result, you cannot get enough air, lowering your blood’s oxygen level. When this occurs, your brain will briefly wake you up, sometimes gasping or choking, to reopen your airway. This can happen several times a night to hundreds of times, resulting in fragmented sleep and several health risks.
Some common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, restless sleep, nocturia (frequent urination at night), morning headaches, and daytime sleepiness. Proper diagnosis involves an overnight sleep study conducted by a certified sleep specialist.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a less common form of sleep apnea, accounting for about 0.9% to 6.3% of all cases. Unlike OSA, the cause lies within the brain’s inability to send the proper signals to the respiratory muscles, causing temporary pauses in breathing. The primary symptoms for CSA are similar to those of OSA but typically with less snoring.
In some cases, there can be overlaps between OSA and CSA, where a patient experiences both the obstruction of the airway and the lack of respiratory signals from the brain.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as “treatment-emergent central sleep apnea,” is a rare combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. Initially diagnosed as OSA, patients develop CSA upon initiating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. These patients may require an adjustment of their treatment plans and close monitoring by their physicians.
Top-Rated Specialist for Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
An accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective sleep apnea treatment. A top-rated dentist can be instrumental in helping diagnose and manage sleep apnea. As experts in oral health, these dentists can identify signs of potential sleep apnea during routine dental check-ups and provide valuable insights.
Restoring Your Smile Through Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment options for sleep apnea vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, cessation of substance abuse, and sleep repositioning devices in mild cases of OSA. For moderate to severe cases, a restoring your smile specialist might recommend using oral appliances, CPAP, or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) therapy.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat the underlying cause of sleep apnea, such as removing excess tissue from the throat, correcting structural abnormalities, or creating a new airway.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you suspect you have sleep apnea and are looking for a professional to help you manage your condition, consider seeking services like sleep apnea treatment in Fairfield. With a team of experienced professionals, you can rest assured that your sleep struggles will soon end.
Final Thoughts
Do not let sleep apnea wreak havoc on your life. By understanding the different types of sleep apnea and seeking professional guidance, you can take effective steps toward managing this disorder. Whether you have obstructive, central, or complex sleep apnea, the key to successful treatment is accurate diagnosis and close patient-provider collaboration.
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, do not hesitate to contact a professional in your area to discuss your concerns and options. Your health and well-being depend on a good night’s sleep, so take action today to prevent the long-term risks of untreated sleep apnea.
