Sleep Apnea San Antonio, TX
Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Feel tired or sleepy during the day for no apparent reason? Are you snoring loudly, or find yourself waking up short of breath during the night? If so, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans affected by sleep apnea. At our orthodontic office, Dr. Mizell can assist in creating a personal treatment to alleviate your sleep apnea problems.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing ceases occasionally during sleep, as many as twenty to thirty times per hour. ("Apnea" is the Greek word for "without breath.") Sleep apnea causes your breathing to stop, and each time you stop breathing, your brain is alerted to temporarily wake you up due to low oxygen levels in your blood stream. This temporary waking up is your body's way of restoring your oxygen levels, and often this time awake is so short that people who suffer from sleep apnea are not aware that they ever awoke. Because a person is unaware of these brief pauses to your sleep cycle, sufferers believe that they are getting a solid, uninterrupted night of sleep. However, the constant wake-sleep-wake-sleep cycle precludes the deep sleep that refreshes the body, and sufferers are frequently drowsy during the day.
What are the signs of sleep apnea?
The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Snoring loudly during the night
- Waking up at night short of breath
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don't receive the proper signal from the brain. Some people suffer from "mixed" or "complex" sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when operating cars or other heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery: sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, alert any doctors who prescribe medication or advise surgery.
What are risk factors for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40 and up) than younger adults and children. However, anyone – regardless of gender or age – can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, high blood pressure, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.
How is sleep apnea treated?
At Stone Oak Orthodontics, Dr. Mizell can create a personally tailored treatment plan to alleviate and possibly eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms. Please contact our office at (210) 402-3322 for a consultation to answer any of your questions. Treatments range widely and depend on the severity of the problem and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral - for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.
What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?
Give us a call, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a "sleep study" to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.
