Sleep apnea: what is it?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted when you’re asleep. You might not be aware of this happening, though, but short breathing pauses might occur hundreds of times in a night. These will jolt you awake, disturbing the quality of your sleep. Left untreated, it could result in chronic sleep deprivation that could compromise your mental reasoning, slow down your reflexes and take a serious toll on your physical as well as emotional health. If you think you suffer from it, promptly seek out sleep apnea treatment in Mississauga.
Types of sleep apnea
There are three types. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and happens when the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep. This effectively blocks your airway and can lead to loud snores. Central sleep apnea is less common and involves the nervous system. The brain fails to sends signals the muscles that control breathing during sleep. People with this kind don’t often snore. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of sleep apnea include morning headaches, memory or learning problems, difficulty in concentrating, constant irritation, depression, mood swings or personality changes. Frequently waking up to urinate as well as dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up are also possible signs of this condition, says the NIH.
Treatment
If you think you have not been getting any restful sleep and feel tired or exhausted after you wake up, it might be due to sleep apnea. Seek out sleep apnea evaluation from a dentist in Mississauga. A dentist is often the most reliable professional to diagnose if you have sleep apnea or not. That way, you can start taking steps to treat your disorder. With the help from a dentist, you can explore your treatment options and choose one that suits you best.
