Saint Louis Sleep Apnea Dentist Explains Inner Workings Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can really put a damper on the way that you feel; plus, it can put you at risk of suffering from a number of serious health conditions in the future. Our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists want to help you understand how sleep apnea works, so that you can better address sleep apnea issues in your own life—keep reading in order to get more information.
The Cause
The term “obstructive sleep apnea” simply means that the patient’s airway is being blocked as the patient is asleep. So the patient is trying to breathe normally, but something is in the way.
This happens because, as you fall asleep, your oral tissues relax. These tissues flop over the airway, causing obstruction.
The Results
As you would imagine, this airway obstruction makes it hard for the patient to breathe—which is never a good thing. The patient struggles to get oxygen—often making a loud snoring sound as a result. Eventually, the body wakes itself up to “restart” the breathing process. On one hand this is a good thing, because the airway is open again, but on the other hand it is a negative, because your healthy REM cycle has been disrupted.
This is why so many patients with sleep apnea suffer from:
· Headaches
· Fatigue
· Memory problems
· Problems with concentration
You need to seek prompt treatment for sleep apnea because the day-to-day symptoms are difficult to live with. Also, because long-term sleep apnea increases a patient’s risk of suffering from depression, heart disease, diabetes, and more.
So please do not hesitate to give our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists a call if you have experienced sleep apnea problems in your own life. We are here to provide you with the information and treatment that you need to stay well.