Sleep Apnea- Symptoms & Treatments

Getting a sound sleep in today’s time is quite rare. There are many reasons that people are unable to get a sound sleep. It can be due to breathing issues, physical problem or any kind of mental stress. One of the major problems for disturbed sleep is snoring. In the US, approximately, 90 % people have sleep apnea and snoring problem. Many studies have shown that more than half of the adults snore while sleeping and more than 25% people snore while breathing. It is not common in children, but it does occur in those having asthma or breathing issues.


What is sleep apnea and snoring?
People generally get confused between the sleep apnea and snoring but they are not the same conditions. Snoring is the sound produced due to the blockage in the nose and soft tissues that vibrate while breathing, whereas snoring is a simple sign of sleep apnea. In sleep apnea, the airways are blocked for some time that leads to serious issues.   

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where your breathing is briefly interrupted when you’re asleep. If you have sleep apnea, you’re probably not aware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
People having sleep apnea often complain of excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability or restlessness. But the symptoms are generally noticed by the bed partner, family or friends. Some of the symptoms are given below-
  • Extremely loud and heavy snoring, often interrupted by pauses and gasps
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness, for example- falling asleep at work, whilst driving, during conversation or when watching TV.
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Short temper, irritability
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Forgetfulness
  • Excessive mood swing or changes in behavior
Note it down, not everyone who has these symptoms will necessarily have sleep apnea. Some of the above-mentioned symptoms are common but it is not necessary that who have these symptoms must have sleep apnea. The one who has such symptoms face them every time.

Treatments- Treatments for snoring and sleep apnea vary from person to person. But to cure snoring one needs to lose weight, reduce the intake of alcohol and certain medications. To treat severe sleep apnea, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device is used.

An MRD (mandibular repositioning device) is another advanced level device that can be used to treat patients who do not respond well to the CPAP. If you want any kind of sleep apnea and snoring treatment, consult Esthetic Dental Group of Westport. They provide exceptional dental wellness and other short and long-term health treatment.

Comments