“Sleep-disordered breathing” is the medical term for snoring and/or sleep apnea. It refers to any type of breathing-related disruption that keeps you or a loved one from getting a good night’s sleep. If you or someone you know snores excessively, is restless at night, has airway obstructions during sleep, clenches the jaw or teeth at night, or wakes up feeling tired, it’s worthwhile to explore the possibility of sleep-disordered breathing.
Sleep-disordered breathing can cause much more than just annoying snoring. Sleep deprivation is a serious problem that can lead to major health problems. Sleep-disordered breathing occurs when the muscles used for breathing relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to collapse in on itself and block oxygen from entering the lungs. The tongue and throat muscles may relax and sag down into the airway. Lack of oxygen during sleep compromises the ability to breathe and can make breathing loud and labored. The individual may briefly awake while gasping for air, but often will not remember it the next day.
Children and adults can suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause this condition, as can a malocclusion of the teeth, a narrow jaw, and narrow nasal passages. In adults, loss of muscle tone during sleep can cause breathing and other sleep disorders. Sleep-disordered breathing can lead to sleepless, restless nights and a number of related problems. Lack of sleep can affect your physical health, mood, energy level, emotions, relationships, and happiness. If you’re experiencing these problems and don’t know why, a sleep study could lead to an answer.
The most serious sleep-disordered breathing condition is sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can spell major trouble down the road. Over time, interruptions in oxygen supply during sleep can cause lack of oxygen in the blood. This can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. If left untreated, these spikes can culminate in major medical issues like stroke, hypertension, cardiopulmonary issues, and gastro-esophageal reflex. Your body is not getting the steady oxygen supply it needs, or the rest it needs to recover and prepare for the day ahead. Help from the experts at Contemporary Family Dentistry can change your life and protect your future.