Sleep Apnea Q&A

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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects breathing while you sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea:

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Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the muscles in your throat relax, obstructing the flow of air through your nose and mouth.

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Central sleep apnea

With central sleep apnea, your brain isn’t sending the right messages to the muscles that control your breathing.

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Complex sleep apnea syndrome

Complex sleep apnea, also referred to as treatment-emergent sleep apnea, means you have a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. 

No matter the cause, when your breathing is interrupted, your brain wakes you up to reinitiate breathing, which affects the overall quality of your sleep. 

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Though the types of sleep apnea may differ, symptoms tend to overlap. Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Loud snoring

• Waking up with a dry mouth

• Waking up with a headache

• Falling asleep during the day

• Insomnia

• Irritability

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Your sleep partner may also notice that you stop breathing while you sleep. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor for an evaluation.

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How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Though your primary care physician may suspect you’re suffering from sleep apnea, for a diagnosis, you need to undergo a sleep study with a sleep specialist. During your sleep study, which is medically known as polysomnography (PSG), the sleep specialist records the biophysiological changes that occur while you sleep. 

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The PSG tracks your brain waves, eye movement, muscular tissue activity, and heart rhythm. You’re diagnosed with sleep apnea if your PSG test notes five or more apnea events (time out from breathing) per hour. The results of your PSG also determine your sleep apnea type.

 

What can I expect during a sleep apnea consultation?

Dr. Suh specializes in sleep apnea, and when you come to the office for your routine dental cleanings and exams, he can refer you to a sleep specialist if he suspects you’re suffering from sleep apnea.

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If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, he may suggest an oral appliance to improve breathing while you sleep. The oral device prevents your throat from closing by repositioning your jaw. In addition to helping you breathe, the oral appliance also reduces your snoring. 

 

When you have received an oral appliance for your sleep apnea, Dr. Suh has you return to the office regularly so he can monitor the fit of your device and your symptoms. 

 

To learn more about an oral appliance for sleep apnea, contact David Suh Dental by phone today.