Our bodies need sleep to operate effectively. When we don’t get enough rest, it can make us irritable—not much fun for our family members, friends, and colleagues—and it can wreak serious havoc on our ability to do our jobs, drive a vehicle, and so much more. In fact, drowsy driving is one of the primary causes of car accidents.

But if you are laying down for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and think you are sleeping for that long, yet still wake up tired? Well, that’s a problem. And it could be a telltale sign that you are suffering from sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a health ailment that occurs when you stop breathing off and on during sleep. Sounds like a bad deal, doesn’t it? There are two primary types of this disease: 

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Central sleep apnea (CSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form, happens when the muscles in your throat relax exceedingly during sleep, leading to a partial or complete airway blockage. This obstruction can cause repeated breathing pauses throughout the night, ranging from a few seconds to over a minute. 

Common risk factors for OSA include obesity, having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jawbone. Hormonal changes, such as those associated with thyroid problems or menopause, can also contribute to the narrowing of the airway, increasing the risk of OSA.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is less common. In CSA, the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type results not from a physical airway blockage, but a communication failure between the brain and the muscles involved in breathing. Conditions that can lead to CSA include heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections, and the use of certain medications. CSA can also occur in individuals at high altitudes with lower oxygen levels.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

Many people with this condition have no idea that they have it. Yes, they may often feel fatigued, but in many cases, they have felt that way for so long, that they just believe it to be normal. But daytime drowsiness is not the only sign. 

Here are some other key indicators that sleep apnea is at play:

1. Loud snoring: If your snoring is loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or even wake yourself up, it might be more than just a nuisance. Loud snoring is a common sign of obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway is partially blocked during sleep.
2. Sudden waking up with a choking or gasping sensation: Waking up suddenly while gasping for air or choking is a significant indicator of this condition. These symptoms occur when the breathing passage reopens abruptly after being blocked.
3. Frequent morning headaches: Waking up with a headache can indicate sleep apnea. Poor sleep quality and oxygen deprivation during the night can lead to these persistent morning headaches.
4. Difficulty concentrating during the day: It could be related to this condition if you find it hard to focus or experience forgetfulness. Disrupted sleep affects cognitive functions, making concentration and memory tasks more challenging.
5. Mood changes or irritability: Lack of restful sleep can impact your mood, leading to feelings of irritability or even depression. If you notice a significant change in your mood patterns, it could be tied to disruptions in your sleep caused by apnea.

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The truth is that sleep apnea is not something that you should simply ignore. It can have some serious consequences. Remember what we said earlier about the risks of car accidents from drowsy driving? According to the CPAP blog, if you have this condition, you are 2.5 times more likely to get into a car accident. And, that isn’t the only accident risk. People with sleep apnea are 83% more likely to experience an accident in general. Those are some pretty startling statistics!

But accidents aren’t the only risk of untreated sleep apnea. Several studies have highlighted a strong association between sleep apnea and critical conditions that can affect your overall health and how long you may live.

One major concern is the link between this condition and type 2 diabetes. People with untreated sleep apnea often experience irregular oxygen levels, which can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, thus increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, this condition is known to contribute to the risk of strokes. The fluctuations in blood oxygen levels caused by this condition can lead to blood clots, which are a primary cause of strokes.

Heart attacks are also more prevalent among individuals with untreated sleep apnea. The stress on the body from repeated waking and oxygen deprivation can increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Ultimately, these factors can lead to a heart attack. Moreover, the cumulative impact of these conditions can contribute to a shortened lifespan, making effective sleep apnea treatment essential.

Your dentists in Newport Beach offer sleep apnea treatment.

If you have received a diagnosis of sleep apnea from your primary care physician and the typical CPAP treatment isn’t working, Dr. Desai in Newport Beach can help. At Luminous Smiles, we focus on building relationships with our patients so that we can provide an unmatched level of personal care.

Dr. Desai is the only female American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry-accredited doctor in Newport Beach, and she is an expert in treating sleep apnea symptoms. Our team can review your symptoms and provide alternate recommendations to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Request an appointment today with your dentist in Newport Beach.