WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

 

The Greek word apnoia literally means “without breath”. There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three, obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three, people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night – often for a minute or longer.

 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA?

• choking or interrupted breathing during sleep

• noise during sleep/ snoring

• chest pain at night

• restless sleep

• jerking limb movements during sleep

• excessive daytime sleepiness

• morning headaches

• sore throat

• high blood pressure

• difficulty concentrating

• awakening tired and thirsty

 

SLEEP APNEA MAY CAUSE THE FOLLOWING:

• daytime fatigue

• memory impairment

• poor work performance

• loss of sexual interest 

 

Severe sleep apnea can result in serious complications, including high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and even heart failure.

 

Patients with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in automobile accidents. In addition, accidents associated with drowsiness are more often fatal.

 

WHAT CAN A DENTURIST DO?

 

A denturist can fit you with an oral appliance specially designed to treat snoring and sleep apnea.

 

SOURCE: Denturist Association