Obstructive sleep apnea (abbreviated as OSA) is a disruptive sleep order that occurs when the soft tissues of your mouth and throat block your airway. It is characterized by pauses in your breathing while you are sleeping. Understanding more about sleep apnea, whether you or someone you love is living with it, can help you achieve a better quality of life. Your E-Care Dentistry team in Olathe, KS has compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions regarding sleep apnea along with their answers. We hope this will start your journey of understanding.
Q: Is Snoring Always Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is NOT always sleep apnea. Snoring can often be simple snoring, which does not cause any blockages in the breathing. However, sleep apnea can sound very similar to simple snoring except that it is marked with deep gasps for air.
Q: How Do I Know if I Have It?
If you are asleep when a problem occurs, how do you know it occurred? As stated above, sleep apnea sounds like loud snoring with gasps for air. If your partner or loved one has told you that you make those sounds while you sleep, it may be time to check in with a professional. If you sleep alone, you may notice that your throat is dry the next day, you feel drowsy despite getting a full night of sleep, or your blood pressure has risen. If you think sleep apnea is affecting your life, you can participate in a home sleep study to help determine if it is.
Q: Is It Really Even a Problem?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition. It can increase your risks for stroke, heart disease, and other serious health problems. The pauses in breathing throughout the night can cause your body to regulate the oxygen in your blood flow causing increased blood pressure. The lack of restful sleep (for you and anyone who can hear your loud sleep) can lead to drowsiness, hormonal changes, weight gain, mood swings, and more. Finding a solution to sleep apnea can help improve your overall health.
Do You Have Questions About Sleep Apnea?
We can try to answer any questions you may have about obstructive sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.