Types of Sleep Apnea There are two types of sleep apnea; obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. OSA is the most common of the two and is
characterized by blocking your airway with the soft tissues found in the back of the throat. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain fails to tell the muscles
in the body to breathe. Without these signals, your lungs don’t know to breathe. If you have both types of sleep apnea simultaneously, you have what is called
complex sleep apnea syndrome. What these have in common is that they create pauses in your breathing as you sleep. This can prevent you from getting to the
necessary sleep stages. Chronic poor sleep can lead to multiple heart conditions, depression, diabetes, GERD and any more health risks. Safety Risks One of the
biggest issues with chronic daytime sleepiness as a result of sleep apnea is you are at a greater risk of being in a motor vehicle accident. Drowsy driving is one
of the most common causes of fatal vehicle crashes. Driving while feeling drowsy can affect your normal driving abilities by slowing your reaction time,
affecting your ability to pay attention to the road, and compromising your decision-making. Factors Leading to Sleep Apnea Obesity is a major risk factor of
OSA, and losing weight can often help relieve symptoms. Large tonsils, narrow airways, a family history of sleep apnea, smoking and consuming alcohol can all
lead to sleep apnea. This lack of oxygen can lead to the following: -Loud snoring -Choking and gasping for air -Excessive daytime sleepiness -Mood swings and
irritability -Memory loss -Decreased libido -Morning headaches -Dry mouth Facts about Sleep Apnea -It is more common in middle-aged men than in women -It
can be life-threatening -It often goes undiagnosed -Diagnosis can be done in a sleep study lab or monitored at home Sleep Apnea Solutions There are now
effective treatment options that can help you sleep better and relieve you of sleep apnea symptoms. OSA can be treated successfully by wearing a CPAP
(continuous positive airflow pressure) mask if the condition is moderate to severe. Oral appliances shift the jaw and tongue forward are also effective. Surgery
for jaw repositioning or a tonsillectomy can also help relieve symptoms. If you would like to know more about sleep apnea, from diagnosis to treatment, we
welcome you to call our practice and schedule a consultation. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health, your body will
thank you!
OUR ADDRESS
2001 E Lohman Ave Ste 122
Las Cruces, NM 88001
OFFICE HOURS
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