Sleep Apnea Charlotte NCSleep apnea is a significant sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. Left untreated, it can result in daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and severe health complications, including high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and heart failure. It is essential to differentiate sleep apnea from ordinary snoring, which often results from throat or nasal conditions, sleep posture, alcohol use, age, or excess weight. Sleep apnea can also lead to impaired job performance and accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions and workplace incidents in adults, while in children, it may manifest as poor school performance. To learn more about sleep apnea, we welcome you to visit . Varieties of Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is classified into two main categories: central and obstructive sleep apnea. In central sleep apnea, the airway remains unobstructed. Instead, the issue lies in the brain failing to send signals to the muscles to facilitate breathing, often stemming from problems within the respiratory control center. Central sleep apnea is frequently associated with conditions like lung disease, kidney failure, stroke, and neuromuscular disorders. On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, usually due to the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat. This leads to increased effort by the chest muscles and diaphragm to reopen the airway, impacting oxygen supply to vital organs and potentially resulting in irregular heart rhythms. Symptoms of Sleep ApneaTypically, it is a bed partner who first notices signs of sleep apnea, as many affected individuals do not experience sleep-related complaints themselves. Common symptoms include excessive snoring, daytime fatigue or drowsiness, night sweats, frequent nighttime urination, headaches, sexual dysfunction, and mood disturbances. Restlessness during sleep and frequent nighttime awakenings may also occur. Morning symptoms such as a sore throat and dry mouth are indicative of sleep apnea. Cognitive impairment, including irritability, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating, may affect some individuals. In children, bedwetting and sluggishness are significant symptoms of sleep apnea. Diagnosing Sleep ApneaIf a sleep specialist suspects sleep apnea, they may recommend an overnight sleep study, known as a polysomnogram (PSG). This thorough examination is conducted in a sleep laboratory under the supervision of a skilled technologist. The PSG records various bodily functions during sleep, such as muscle activity, breathing patterns, heart rate, eye movements, brain activity, blood oxygen levels, and airflow. Following the study, the technologist will assess the severity of your sleep apnea based on the recorded data. Treating Sleep ApneaTreatment options for sleep apnea vary based on its severity. Conservative treatments are the most commonly prescribed methods. Patients may be advised to quit smoking, lose weight, or manage nasal allergies. Additionally, oral appliances are available to help keep the throat open during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are often recommended to maintain open upper airways, preventing snoring and apnea. In cases where other treatments prove ineffective, surgical procedures may be considered. Sleep Apnea Dentist CharlotteFor comprehensive information on sleep apnea treatment, we invite you to visit . Feel free to contact us today at (980) 332-7990 to schedule an appointment and address any inquiries you may have. |