How To Know If You Have Sleep Apnea

You may have heard someone snoring from time to time while they sleep. Snoring is very common, but sometimes that sound you hear isn’t just snoring, as it could be sleep apnea. Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, which is a fatal condition, without even knowing it. Sleep apnea causes difficulty in breathing while sleeping, which is dangerous. Here is how you can tell if you have sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can sometimes be confused with snoring. There are three types of sleep apnea which include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome
• Central sleep apnea

The most common form of sleep apnea is Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when your airway is blocked, which can cause snoring. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to your muscles to continue breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is when someone has both of the other sleep apnea disorders combined.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

There are many different factors that can cause any form of sleep apnea. Some of these factors include obesity, heart failure, certain genetic syndromes, and hormonal disorders. Smoking and drinking can also cause you to develop sleep apnea over time.

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Professional healthcare providers can conduct studies and tests to see whether or not you have sleep apnea. These tests include measuring the levels of oxygen in your blood while you sleep, and comparing it with normal oxygen levels of a healthy individual your age.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea is treated with breathing devices which help widen airways and increase air flow as you sleep. This is done with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. Exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes can also help improve your sleeping condition. Losing weight can make it easier to breathe at night and give your airways much more space for oxygen intake. Talk to Dr. Adler to learn more about what you can do to treat sleep apnea.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

At Adler Advanced Dentistry in Boulder, CO, we believe you deserve great oral health and a stunning smile. Dr. Michael Adler and his team of dental professionals strive to help you reach your dental goals. With state-of-the-art technologies and equipment, our team is personally committed to providing you with outstanding, long lasting results. Give us a call at 303-449-1119, or visit us at www.adlerdentistry.com to schedule an appointment.