What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is when breathing momentarily stops while the patient is sleeping. It can potentially be a serious sleeping problem, leading to heart attacks, stroke, or type 2 diabetes when left untreated. Although sleep apnea is more than just a dental problem, your dentist in Greater Northdale can perform many treatments to ease up the severity of your sleep condition.  

The bad thing about having sleep apnea is that you may not immediately know you have it, especially when no one points it out to you. That is because the most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep – both of which you can’t tell yourself when you’re asleep.  

However, if you experience drowsiness after sleeping, irritability, or dry mouth upon waking up, these are also signs you suffer from sleep apnea.    

Types and Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea has three types: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. In this article, let’s discuss what causes each type to manifest.  

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This type of sleep apnea is the most common, and it happens when the throat muscles relax, allowing only a little air to pass through. This inability to momentarily breathe will send signals to the brain, urging the brain to briefly rouse you from sleep to be able to breathe in. It is usually so brief that you won’t remember it happening.  

Central Sleep Apnea

This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscle that controls your breathing. It can awaken the person gasping for breath.  

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

The third type of sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. It is a more serious sleep condition otherwise known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.  

Visit Your Dentist in Greater Northdale Today

Sleep apnea should not be taken for granted because it can be life-threatening. At Lake Park Dental, we offer services and treatment options to mitigate the risks and episodes of this sleep condition. Nothing should rob you off of the sleep you deserve. That’s why we’re here to help you out. Call us today to schedule your appointment.