Did you know that not everyone with sleep apnea snores? While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, it’s not always present. At San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center, your expert dentist in San Diego, CA, we’re here to shed light on this often misunderstood sleep disorder and help you recognize its symptoms, even when snoring isn’t one of them.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more an hour. While many people associate sleep apnea with loud snoring, it’s important to understand that sleep apnea can exist without this telltale sign.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Even without snoring, sleep apnea can manifest through various symptoms:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Gasping or choking sensations during sleep
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek sleep apnea treatment in San Diego, CA, even if you don’t snore.
Sleep Apnea Health Risks
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health complications that can significantly impact one’s quality of life:
● High blood pressure: Sleep apnea causes repeated awakenings, leading to increased stress on the cardiovascular system, which can elevate blood pressure levels over time.
● Heart disease: The condition can increase the risk of heart disease by causing irregular heartbeats and putting extra strain on the heart.
● Stroke: Sleep apnea can contribute to the risk of a stroke due to the intermittent drops in oxygen levels that affect blood flow to the brain.
● Type 2 diabetes: Chronic sleep deprivation and oxygen deprivation from sleep apnea can interfere with insulin resistance, increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
● Depression: The persistent lack of restful sleep can lead to mood disturbances and exacerbate symptoms of depression.
● Increased risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue: Excessive daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnea can impair concentration and reaction times, raising the risk of workplace and vehicle-related accidents.
The Different Types of Sleep Apnea
Understanding the different types of sleep apnea can help explain why some people might not snore despite having the condition.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep. This type is often associated with snoring, but not always.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. People with CSA often don’t snore, which can make the condition harder to detect.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Also known as mixed sleep apnea, this type is a combination of OSA and CSA. Snoring may or may not be present.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
We offer various sleep apnea treatment options at San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center in San Diego, CA. Our expert dentist will work with you to determine the best approach based on your specific needs:
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep.
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): A machine that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open.
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime can help manage sleep apnea.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural issues contributing to sleep apnea.
Put Sleep Apnea to Bed
Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of restful nights and healthy days. Even if you don’t snore, paying attention to other symptoms that might indicate this sleep disorder is important. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and overall health.
At San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center, our expert dentist in San Diego, CA, is committed to helping you achieve better sleep and better health. We use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to address your unique sleep apnea concerns. Contact San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center today to schedule a comprehensive sleep evaluation.