How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Apnea?
Key Takeaways
Sleep apnea is common and often goes undiagnosed because most people don’t realize they have it since symptoms occur while they’re asleep.
Loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime fatigue, and not waking up refreshed are common signs of sleep apnea.
There are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have risk factors for sleep apnea, having an evaluation with a Dr. Marzban will help determine what treatment is needed.
Do you wake up feeling tired even after a full night of sleep? Does your partner complain that you snore loudly or frequently wake up gasping or choking? These are common signs of sleep apnea, which can impact your sleep quality, energy, focus, and overall well-being. An estimated 30 million adults in the United States have sleep apnea according to the American Medical Association, and 80% aren’t aware they have it. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea will help you know when it’s time to see a dentist.
To schedule an in-person appointment call us at 703-323-8200 or you can schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Marzban to discuss any sleep concerns and questions you have.
What Are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
There are three primary types of sleep apnea, each stemming from a different underlying problem.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA is the most common type that occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and partially or completely block the airway. This causes breathing to stop and restart repeatedly throughout the night. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
CSA happens when the brain temporarily stops sending the signals that tell the body to breathe. The airway is open, but the brain and breathing muscles aren't communicating as they should. CSA can be associated with certain medical conditions, medications, or other factors.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea, also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, happens when a person being treated for obstructive sleep apnea begins to experience pauses in breathing that are caused by the brain temporarily failing to signal the body to breathe.
What Are the Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea?
The most common risk factors include:
Obesity⎯Having excess body weight can increase the risk of sleep apnea because extra tissue around the neck and throat can make the airway narrower so it’s harder to breathe during sleep.
Age⎯The risk of sleep apnea increases with age, however, it can occur at any age.
Men⎯Sleep apnea is more common in men than in women before menopause. A woman's risk increases after menopause as hormone levels change, body fat distribution shifts, and loss of airway muscle tone make the throat more likely to collapse during sleep.
Family history⎯Genetics can affect the shape of the airway and other factors that make someone more likely to develop sleep apnea.
Airway structure⎯Enlarged tonsils, a small jaw, a recessed chin, a large tongue, or a high, narrow palate can increase risk.
Nasal obstruction⎯Nasal blockage caused by chronic congestion or a deviated septum could increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Alcohol use⎯Drinking alcohol before bed, can relax the throat muscles and make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep. This can increase your risk of sleep apnea or make existing symptoms worse.
Smoking⎯Increases inflammation and swelling in the upper airway.
Certain medical conditions⎯Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
What Are the Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can affect many parts of the body because it causes repeated drops in oxygen and disrupts sleep throughout the night. This can increase the risk of:
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Heart failure
Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
Stroke
Insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes
Weight gain
Headaches, especially in the morning
Daytime fatigue
Depression and anxiety
Reduced immune function
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station & Northern Virginia
With advanced training and treatment techniques, Dr. Marzban helps patients with sleep-related breathing issues through personalized treatment plans. If you have concerns about your sleep or are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Getting evaluated can help you understand what’s affecting your sleep and get the right treatment for better sleep, oral health, and overall quality of life.
FAQs
-
Excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. When breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, it can disrupt your sleep and prevent you from getting the deep, restorative rest your body needs.
-
Sleep apnea is more common than people realize. Millions of adults have sleep apnea, but many people go undiagnosed.
-
CPAP isn’t the only treatment for sleep apnea. The right treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea, as well as a patient’s unique needs.
-
TMJ can affect which sleep apnea treatment is best for you. Oral appliances work by gently moving the lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open, but this movement may cause or worsen jaw pain for some people. If you have TMJ concerns, Dr. Marzban will evaluate your jaw to determine whether an oral appliance is a comfortable option for you.
