What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs during sleep, causing you to wake repeatedly throughout the night. There are two main types: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing you to struggle to breathe. This often results in snoring, gasping and choking for air, and poor sleep quality.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by the brain improperly signaling the airway to breathe during sleep. A third and less common version called mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both OSA and CSA. Each condition has similar symptoms, which may include:
- Restless sleep
- Chronic snoring
- Daytime fatigue
- Mood swings
- Slowed reaction times
- Forgetfulness
- Waking with frequent headaches or a sore throat
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can do more than just affect your rest. It can also negatively impact your overall quality of life by increasing your risk of a variety of dangerous medical conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Often when patients are diagnosed with sleep apnea, their doctor will immediately prescribe CPAP therapy. This machine uses a mask to deliver forced air to the airway to prop it open while you sleep. Unfortunately, however, many find the mask and forced air uncomfortable, and the machinery too complicated to operate. Worse yet, it requires electricity to use and isn’t very convenient for travelling, and the tubing used can be difficult to keep clean, increasing your risk of illness.
Once you have completed a sleep study and received an official diagnosis for sleep apnea, Dr. Castleberry can help you get the rest you deserve without the need for CPAP. A comfortable, convenient oral appliance can be custom made to fit your mouth, naturally propping your airway open by repositioning your jaw while you sleep. This allows you to get a better night’s rest without any of the hassle of CPAP, making it more likely that you’ll use your device and thereby improving your overall health in the long run.
To learn more about sleep apnea treatment from The Castleberry Center, schedule a consultation today to get started.
