Sleep Apnea: Types and Causes

Sleep is the natural state of mind that is recurring and is characterized by a series of altered consciousness. During sleep, sensory activities are inhibited, and muscular movements are reduced. Having a sufficient night of sleep can boost immunity. Nasal breathing is particularly important during sleep. Breathing through the nose increases nitric oxide production in the sinuses, which in turn reduces inflammation. Nasal breathing also induces sound sleep.

What are Sleep Disorders?

Sound sleep is important for strengthening the heart and immunity system, getting rid of tiredness, and improving mood. Sleep disorders are a collective or singular issue that affects normal sleep and increases stress.

Most people experience sleeplessness due to hectic schedules, stress, or sleep apnea. Sleep depravedness leads to intense tiredness, clumsiness, and irritability. Regular sleeplessness can be a severe issue, and you need to consult a doctor.

Types of Sleep Disorder

Insomnia is the most common form of sleeplessness caused by stress, tension, hormonal imbalance, jet lag, or digestive problems. Insomnia can lead to depression, irritability, loss of concentration, and the gain or loss of weight.

Parasomnia is a series of abnormal movements during sleep. Parasomnia includes sleepwalking, groaning, nightmares, bedwetting, grinding or clenching of teeth, and sleep talking.

Sleep apnea can be considered the most dangerous sleep disorder characterized by the stoppage of breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can be a serious medical condition that hinders adequate oxygen from reaching the body. Loud snores with tiredness even after a whole night’s sleep can be the first indication of sleep apnea. If you think you may have sleep apnea, you should visit a dentist in Laguna Beach for screening and oral appliance treatment.

Sleep Apnea and its Types

Sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. You might have a full night’s sleep yet wake up with tiredness. This could be a sign of interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can be a severe medical issue if not treated. In extreme cases, one might stop breathing numerous times during sleep, and the brain and rest of the body parts do not get a sufficient supply of oxygen. Untreated sleep apnea might lead to hypertension, heart failure, stroke, heart attacks, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, or enlargement of the heart muscles and tissues. You can consult a dentist near you for sleep apnea treatment.

The two types of sleep apnea are:

#1: Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs in repetitive phases, partially blocking the upper airway during sleep. During obstructive sleep apnea, the chest muscles and diaphragm exerts more pressure to open the airway, and breathing resumes with a gasp and body jerk. Obstructive sleep apnea hinders sound sleep and reduces oxygen flow to the brain and other body parts.

#2: Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea affects the brain when the brain stops to signal the respiratory muscles to breathe. Central sleep apnea is caused by misfunction of the central nervous system and is very rare.

Cause of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the respiratory passage when the soft tissues at the back of the throat or respiratory tract collapse. The oral muscles support a triangular piece of tissue that hangs from the uvula.

When you relax the oral muscles, the respiratory passage narrows as you breathe in. Closure of the breathing passage stops sufficient oxygen from reaching the vital organs, and you can be woken up from sleep with a jerk. On awakening, breathing returns to normal as rising from the bed reopens the airway.

Central sleep apnea is caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system and is common in heart failure and lung disease patients.

Risk Factor and Treatment

Being a male can increase the risk of sleep apnea. Overweight and aging can increase the risk further. Smoking and certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, also increases your chances of having sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea in Laguna Beach is a common ailment. For a sleep apnea screening near you, visit Laguna Family Dentistry. Located at a convenient location and open five days a week, we provide oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Book an appointment today. We can help you achieve sound sleep so that you can feel more rejuvenated.