Common Types of Sleep Apnea

September 12, 2024

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can happen as many as 30 times per hour. The brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen, which can cause the person to wake up. Sleep apnea Glendale and sleep apnea Phoenix often disrupt the sleep cycle, leaving a person feeling tired and drowsy during the day

Types of Sleep Apnea Glendale and Sleep Apnea Phoenix

There are three main types of sleep apnea: 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is far more common than central sleep apnea, is caused by the soft tissues blocking the airway during sleep. These tissues include the tongue and the throat muscles. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. This type is often associated with congestive heart failure or stroke.

Central Sleep Apnea

This type of sleep apnea is caused by an obstructed airway or blockage in the throat. This interruption in breathing can occur many times throughout the night, even hundreds of times in some cases. The condition may also be present in people without other sleep problems. People with this type typically snore loudly and have frequent pauses in their breathing while asleep. This sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are not as obvious as those of obstructive sleep apnea. However, this condition can be far more dangerous and life-threatening than obstructive apnea because it can decrease the amount of oxygen in the blood. Treatment may involve surgery and lifestyle changes like losing weight and avoiding alcohol.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. This means that both obstructions in the airway and disruptions in breathing occur while sleeping, leading to repeated pauses in sleep throughout the night. Central sleep apnea is a disorder in which the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. This leads to disruption of normal respiratory patterns during sleep. It's often described as "shallow" or "hypopnea." Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction of the airways, usually by soft tissues of the throat collapsing to large tonsils and adenoids. The tongue can also fall into the airway as well, causing a partial or complete obstruction. This is the most common form of sleep apnea.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, get them diagnosed by a medical doctor. All these types of sleep apnea are treatable by the dentist in Glendale and the dentist in Phoenix. The most common treatment for both types is a CPAP machine that delivers a steady stream of air to keep the air passage open throughout the night. Patients with sleep apnea Glendale and sleep apnea Phoenix are also encouraged to make several lifestyle changes, including not smoking, losing weight, avoiding alcohol three to four hours before bedtime, and avoiding sleeping pills.

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Dr. Darian, D.D.S. of Winning Smiles Dentistry, is here to provide you with the best treatment and advice possible. To make a reservation or to learn more about Sleep Apnea Glendale and Sleep Apnea Phoenix, please contact us at (623) 777-7942. Alternatively, you can visit us at your nearest location to see the dentist in Glendale or the dentist in Phoenix.