Millions of Americans struggle with sleep disorders, and consistent good sleep is something that eludes many people. People who don’t sleep well try all sorts of home remedies, and many people even seek help from their primary care physician to get some good Zzzz’s. Some people don’t realize that a sleep apnea dentist in Miami Beach, Florida, can successfully treat sleep disorders.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
After an at-home sleep study is performed, or if you have one performed in a medical facility and get a confirmed diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you may begin OSA treatment right away. Sleep apnea treatment may take different forms at your Miami Beach sleep apnea dentist’s office, and most people with sleep apnea never require surgery, which is very good news.
While there are three types of sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common and occurs when the tissue in your airway becomes so relaxed that it blocks your airway. When this occurs, the sleeping person will choke and gasp for air in an effort to breathe while sleeping.
Stoppages in breathing due to a collapsed airway may occur hundreds of times per night and last ten seconds or more. There is no way to get a good night’s sleep if you struggle to breathe all night.
Snoring and sleep apnea typically go hand in hand, so if you snore, you likely have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and if you have OSA, you likely snore. Snoring is the sound you produce when forcing air through a blocked airway or nasal passage. It is estimated that OSA affects 10% to 30% of adults in the United States.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea (CSA) involves disruption in the communication between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. As a result, breathing may become shallower and have short pauses. Central Sleep Apnea is much less common than OSA; it’s estimated that only 1% of the adult population in the United States has Central Sleep Apnea.
The third type of sleep apnea is Complex Sleep Apnea, a combination of OSA and CSA. Very few people who seek help from their Miami Beach sleep apnea dentist present with Complex Sleep Apnea.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The symptoms of OSA are numerous and varied; some of the most common signs and symptoms of OSA include:
- Daytime fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Increased urination during the night
One important note: Many of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are caused by other health problems, so OSA cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. For this reason, a sleep study is necessary before beginning sleep apnea treatment.
Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
As with most medical conditions, some people are more at risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea than others. According to the Sleep Foundation website, the risk factors of OSA include:
- Age: People in their 60’s and 70’s are more likely to develop OSA.
- Gender: Men are generally more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.
- Head and neck anatomy: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs more frequently in people with specific anatomical features, including a larger tongue and a shorter lower jaw.
- Weight: Studies indicate a correlation between a higher body mass index (BMI) and an elevated risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
- Cigarette smoking: Research indicates that smokers are more likely to develop OSA than non-smokers.
- Sleeping position: Sleep apnea may develop (or worsen) when people sleep on their backs.
- Family history of sleep apnea: There are some indications that a family history of OSA can increase a person’s risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Nasal congestion
- Alcohol and some drugs are associated with an elevated risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
- People with some medical problems, including heart and lung conditions, are likelier to have OSA.
Learn More About OSA in Miami Beach, Florida
If you think you have sleep apnea or have already had a sleep study to determine you have sleep apnea, there is sleep apnea treatment available at SoBe Dentist™ serving Miami Beach and surrounding areas of Florida. Please call (305) 535-2225 or fill out our online contact form, so one of our dental team members can reach out to answer questions or schedule a new patient evaluation.
