Questions about Sleep Apnea
Barrie, Ontario - Canada
What are the effects of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea does not allow you to enter into deep, restful sleep because you "wake" repeatedly throughout the night to breathe. As a result, your daily performance suffers because of fatigue and headaches. You can find yourself nodding off at inopportune times or having difficulty concentrating on even minor tasks.
Personal relationships often suffer from sleep apnea because your lingering fatigue can lead to irritability and depression. Sleeping next to a person who has sleep apnea can be equally as disruptive to your own rest, forcing you to move to another room in the house to get proper rest.
Besides being perpetually tired, sleep apnea disturbs the flow of oxygen to your body, which can result in serious health conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure and heart problems.
Are certain people more susceptible to getting sleep apnea?
Yes. If certain conditions exist, obstructive sleep apnea becomes more likely. If you have any of the regular symptoms of sleep apnea and fall into any of these categories, we recommend you visit a sleep study clinic to determine if you are suffering from this condition:
- Neck size is greater than 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women
- Carry excess weight on your body
- Chin is recessed
- Over 40 years of age
- Male
- Obstructive sleep apnea runs in the family
- Oversized tonsils or uvula
- Obstruction in the nasal passage
Can children get sleep apnea?
Yes. Your child may have obstructive sleep apnea if he or she exhibits any of the normal symptoms of sleep apnea along with other symptoms, such as:
- Hyperactivity or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Nightmares or night terrors
- Bedwetting
- Depression
- Developmental problems
Often the removal of the tonsils and adenoids can alleviate sleep apnea in children.
Will an oral appliance help my sleep apnea?
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea rather than central sleep apnea, an oral sleep apnea appliance should greatly reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea and snoring. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a physician or sleep study clinic, Dr. Chapnick can custom fit you for a mouthpiece that will keep your airway open as you sleep.
How does central sleep apnea differ from obstructive sleep apnea?
Central sleep apnea is the result of your brain not communicating with your muscles to breathe properly as you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blockage of your trachea or airway. You can suffer from one or both of these conditions simultaneously.
If you live in the Barrie, area and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please contact Molson Park Dental Office’s sleep apnea treatment dentist Dr. Adam Chapnick for a sleep apnea consultation.
