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Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder in which a person stops breathing for longer than ten seconds in their sleep. This occurrence can happen from three to 50 times an hour. Breathing often starts again accompanied by loud snoring, or a choking or gasping sound. Shallow or labored breathing during sleep can also be signs of sleep apnea.

Causes

Sleep apnea is most common in people who are overweight, drink before bedtime, or take narcotic or sleep aid prescriptions. Narrowed or blocked airways in the nose, mouth, or throat cause breathing to briefly cease; this occurs during sleep because laying down puts a person’s airways in a position more conducive to being blocked, particularly if they have a large uvula, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Central sleep apnea, a less common form of sleep apnea, can be caused by a stroke, heart disease, or a brain tumor or infection.

Symptoms

People with sleep apnea may wake up tired, or with a dry mouth and throat, frequently wake up to urinate, experience sleepiness throughout the day, or wake up with headaches. Because sleep apnea interferes with a normal sleep cycle, a typical night’s sleep will feel less restful and fulfilling. A person’s partner or a family member may notice that they stop breathing in their sleep, frequently snore loudly, or choke and gasp in their sleep. Sleep apnea is often not diagnosed because the symptoms take place when a person is sleeping and might therefore go unnoticed.

People who do not get enough sleep are unable to function appropriately throughout the day. This can interfere with work, childcare, driving, and other necessary functions. In additions, a lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Because sleep apnea deprives the body of the oxygen it needs, daytime sleepiness is just one of the problems. It also may raise the chances of heart attack and stroke.

Sleep apnea can be treated through a number of medical and dental surgeries. In some cases it can be treated with mouthpieces, and special breathing devices.

If you believe you suffer from sleep apnea and you live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, please contact Michael Folck, DDS, for an initial consultation.