Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of Americans. But did you know there are multiple types? If you’ve been having difficulty getting the rest you deserve, you may be dealing with one or more of them. Read on to learn about the different types of sleep apnea in Lawton and what your dentist can do to help.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Known as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common type. It occurs when your throat muscles relax, causing a partial or full blockage of your airway. This leads to interrupted breathing throughout the night because of inadequate airflow. You may have OSA if you experience:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping for breath
- Morning headaches
- Daytime drowsiness
- Interruptions during sleep
- Moodiness
- Difficulty concentrating
You may also have a higher risk of sleep apnea if you’re obese, a smoker, have family history, or have a naturally narrow throat.
Central Sleep Apnea
CSA, central sleep apnea, also involves difficulty breathing, but this problem is caused by something entirely different. It occurs due to your brain’s inability to signal the muscles that control your breathing. Essentially, your brain is having difficulty communicating with your body. There are many symptoms that come with this problem that are similar to OSA, which is why it’s often hard diagnose. However, there are some risk factors unique to CSA. If you’re an older, male patient with heart issues, or if you use opioid medication, you may be at higher risk of developing this condition.
Mixed Sleep Apnea
This type is considered the most complex form of sleep apnea. It’s a combination of OSA and CSA. In fact, it’s possible for someone who has OSA to develop CSA while they’re getting treatment with a CPAP machine.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Your treatment options for sleep apnea will vary depending on the type that you’re affected by. Thankfully, your sleep dentist in Lawton can provide the treatment you need to relax and count sheep. Primarily, your dentist can offer custom-made oral appliances, which are worn at night to position the jaw and/or throat in a way that makes it easy to breathe throughout the night. The result is easy breathing for restful nights.
For other cases, your dentist may recommend combined therapy, which combines the use of an oral appliance with a CPAP machine, which is better with those with mixed or central sleep apnea. The CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine works by forcing air through your airway, administered with a nasal piece. You’ll wear it at night in addition to your oral appliance to achieve healthy breathing for amazing sleep. The mouthpiece opens your airway while the CPAP machine moves air through it for the best results.
Dealing with sleep apnea and figuring out what is causing the problem can be frustrating, but finding the right treatment will change your life.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. David J. Drummond is a dentist with decades of experience who deeply understands the relationship between your mouth, throat, and your sleep. That’s why he offers a wide range of sleep apnea treatment options, including specific services for firefighters and convenient at-home sleep testing. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (580) 355-0344.