What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Millions of Americans suffer from the problem of sleep apnea which is a serious sleep disorder where breathing can stop and start repeatedly. Snoring is a common problem with people who are affected by this problem making them feel tired even after receiving a full night's sleep.

People suffering from the problem of sleep apnea and snoring are recommended to obtain sleep apnea treatment from a dentist or a doctor. Left untreated the problem can cause drowsiness when driving, hypertension, heart disease, and other problems.

The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea often suffer from the problem of snoring, gasping for air when sleeping, difficulties staying asleep and irritation. Snoring loudly is an indicator of a serious problem but not everyone with sleep apnea snores. People must be talking to their doctor or dentist if they have signs or symptoms resembling sleep apnea because of the problems it can leave them with.

The problem of sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax to narrow the airway or close when breathing. People experience low oxygen levels in their blood because they are unable to breathe. The brain senses the inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleeping to make you open your airway. The awakening is brief and therefore you may not remember it. This pattern can repeat itself continuously throughout the night impairing your ability to reach deep restful sleep.

Sleep apnea causes are attributed to obesity which can greatly increase the risks. Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct your breathing. You may also have a thicker neck that could be narrowing the airways. The problem could be inherited from family members who could be affected by the condition.

The use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers can relax muscles in your throat making you susceptible to the condition of obstructive sleep apnea. Smoking increases the retention of fluid and inflammation in the upper airway along with nasal congestion which could result from anatomical problems or allergies.

You can contact your doctor or dentist to treat this problem but will require an evaluation from a sleep medicine specialist to determine whether you are indeed suffering from sleep apnea. If it is determined that sleep apnea is affecting you, you may be recommended a CPAP machine or an oral appliance by your dentist to keep your jaw in a forward position. It is essential you to consider getting the treatment for this condition failing which could be susceptible to other life-threatening problems.