Sleep Apnea is a condition that affects how you breathe while you sleep. It causes pauses or periods of very light breathing (called hypopneas) that reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood. This interferes with your natural sleep cycles and can cause serious health problems.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Oral Health and How Dentists Can Help
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common. It occurs when your airways get blocked or narrowed. It may be caused by a fat buildup in your throat, enlarged tonsils, or the blockage of your airway by your tongue or jaw. You are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea if you are overweight, have a thick neck, or are aged over 50. Your risk increases further if you have a family history of obstructive sleep apnea, a heart disease or stroke, an alcohol or sedative use disorder, or a respiratory infection.
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include: