Like many adults, you’ve probably heard of sleep apnea. The condition stops and starts your breathing while asleep, blocking airflow in your lungs. As a result, it causes things like loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and more. Still, there’s a good chance you haven’t learned any of the lesser-known sleep apnea facts. You really should, too – doing so helps your physical health. Fortunately, your Burien dentist can share some. Here are four surprising facts about sleep apnea you ought to memorize.
Most Cases are Undiagnosed
Based on its symptoms alone, you might think sleep apnea is pretty easy to notice. Truthfully, though, most cases of it aren’t recognized as such.
Specifically, studies suggest 80-90% of sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed. One reason for this reality is that you’re asleep when breathing issues occur. (After all, you can’t hear snores if you’re not awake.) Another, meanwhile, is that sleep apnea symptoms can be linked to something else. For example, you might assume your bedtime problems are due to a bad mattress.
You Can Have Hundreds of Episodes Per Night
Contrary to what you’d think, sleep apnea doesn’t just happen a few times per night. You might experience dozens of episodes in a single night.
Indeed, someone can have hundreds of apnea moments in one night’s sleep. Each interruption depletes your body’s oxygen and disrupts your sleep cycle. As they accumulate, then, you’ll end up feeling exhausted the next day. Sleep apnea can thus cause bodily wellness and mental health to suffer.
Genetics May Play a Role
True enough, your lifestyle can be a major risk factor for sleep apnea. However, innate biology plays into the disorder as well.
You see, even your genetics can raise your odds of having sleep apnea. Physical qualities you don’t have control over – face anatomy, breathing control, inclined sleep schedule, etc. – may predispose you to it. In that sense, whether you have the problem isn’t entirely up to you and your life choices.
Dentists Can Treat It
Since it concerns your airway, you may imagine only medical doctors treat sleep apnea. That being said, qualified dentists are also equipped to address it.
In particular, many dental providers have two ways to treat sleep apnea. The first is a CPAP machine, which delivers pressured air through a mask you wear while asleep. Oral appliance therapy is the second approach, as it can use a retainer or mouth guard to keep your airway open overnight.
Ultimately, it’s good to be aware of these lesser-known sleep apnea facts. Keeping them in mind will help you fix any disordered sleep breathing!
About the Practice
Seahurst Park Dentistry is based in Burien, WA. Led by Dr. David Thomas, our practice provides comprehensive dentistry to patients of all ages. Our specific offerings include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. We’re also well-equipped to treat sleep apnea, whether with a CPAP or oral appliance therapy. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (206)-244-4622.
