What Are The Symptoms and Causes of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Brooklyn

For millions of patients nationwide, sleep is a daily issue. There are any number of causes, but one of the most common is sleep apnea.  This condition is potentially serious and results in interruptions in breathing. Sleep apnea is a very common condition of which over ten percent of the United States population suffers from.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused by an interruption in breathing during sleep which can last anywhere from 10-60 seconds, depriving the brain of necessary oxygen to function. These interruptions can occur up to 30 times per hour and severely hinder effective sleeping. The condition has been linked to individuals with cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions.

There are two different types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common and is caused by the throat muscles relaxing, creating an obstruction of the air passageways. Central sleep apnea occurs because the brain isn’t properly relaying messages to muscles responsible for breathing. There are an estimated 57 million individuals who suffer through this condition.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Typically, individuals who suffer from sleep apnea will experience excessive daytime sleepiness, known as hypersomnia, because they are not getting enough sleep at night, which may be accompanied by attention or focus problems. Individuals often wake with a dry mouth or sore throat and may experience loud snoring, particularly if they have obstructive sleep apnea. Shortness of breath may force an individual to awaken abruptly, which is common if they have central sleep apnea. Often the condition will incite fear in individuals who witness someone with sleep apnea stop breathing.

What causes sleep apnea?

In obstructive sleep apnea patients, the muscles in the throat relax creating an obstruction. These muscles support the tonsils, uvula, side walls of the throat, and tongue which can relax and close the airway. Central sleep apnea is far less common and may be caused by heart failure or stroke. 

How is someone diagnosed with sleep apnea?

If you are concerned you may have sleep apnea in Brooklyn, contact Dr. AlJanabi for a consultation. He can refer you to a sleep specialist who will administer one of two sleep tests: a nocturnal polysomnography, which is most accurate, or a home sleep test.

What treatment is available for those suffering from sleep apnea?

Dr. AlJanabi will work with your specialist to create a custom fitted oral device. The device is specially designed to hold your mouth in a specific position that encourages proper airflow. There are several different types of devices available for various levels of severity. If a device is not effective, an alternative device can be created. Additionally, Dr. AlJanabi may recommend smoking cessation and weight loss to improve symptoms. Airway pressure devices may also be recommended to regulate breathing for more severe patients.

If you believe you may have sleep apnea, it is important to be seeking diagnosis and treatment. Of the 57 million suffering with this condition, an estimated 27 million have gone unnoticed and risk health risks. If you have any questions, contact Dr. AlJanabi of Brooklyn Orthodontics to schedule a consultation and remedy any issues.