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What Is Sleep Apnea? Jacksonville, FL If you experience breathing difficulties during sleep, you might have sleep apnea. Come in and see us here at Atlantic Dentistry for an effective treatment. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of health issues like diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Most people who are affected by sleep apnea usually snore very loudly during the night, often waking up those around them, and feel tired when they awaken from sleep. This condition has your breathing starting and stopping, which makes it a potentially risky sleep disorder. Dental appliances are effective in treating certain forms of sleep apnea. Our dental specialists listen to your problem and recommend the best treatment possible for your sleep apnea.Types of Sleep ApneaMost people battling sleep apnea usually struggle with insomnia, nightmares, and fatigue. And so, it is best to seek help as soon as you notice the first sign of this condition. The following are some of the types of sleep apnea that some people may experience. Central Sleep ApneaThis condition arises when your brain fails to activate breathing muscles, thus leading to an irregular breathing pattern during sleep. Obstructive Sleep ApneaIn this form of sleep apnea, the breathing muscles are activated, but the breathing is still limited because the muscles are met with an obstruction in the airway, leading to irregular breathing patterns. Mixed Sleep ApneaThis condition arises when you have both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. Before you are given any treatment, it is important to find out precisely what type of sleep apnea you have. Sleep Apnea Risk FactorsAs long as you can fall asleep, you can potentially develop sleep apnea. However, the following factors can increase your chances of developing this condition. ObesityThanks to the proliferation of unhealthy foods, and the sedentary lifestyle that technological evolution has afforded us, obesity is fast becoming a global crisis. Apart from making you look conventionally unattractive, obesity also increases your chances of having sleep apnea. Bigger NecksIt’s something that you have no control over, but people with thicker necks usually have narrower airways, and so they are more susceptible to sleep apnea. MenMost cases of sleep apnea are reported in men. Men are two or three times more likely to have this condition than women. But the risk for women goes up if they are obese or when they hit menopause. GeneticsIf your family tree has a history of sleep apnea, you are at a higher risk of developing this condition as compared to someone from a family without a history of sleep apnea. SmokingSmoking usually inflames the tissues in your airway, thus increasing your likelihood of developing sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea usually struggle to get quality sleep, and the effects show up in the form of fatigue, irritability, and drowsiness. There are different methods of treating sleep apnea. One of them involves the use of dental appliances. Our dental professionals can help you recover from obstructive sleep apnea by giving you a custom-fit dental appliance. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that needs to be terminated before it gives rise to other health problems. If you snore loudly, struggle with insomnia, and experience morning migraines, these are signs you may struggle with sleep apnea. Visit us at Atlantic Dentistry to eliminate the problem. You can contact us by calling 904 717-0335. |
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