Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts frequently during sleep. An estimated 30 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have various adverse health effects.
What causes sleep apnea?
There are two different types of sleep apnea. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when your airway is blocked while you’re sleeping. Obesity, large tonsils, and fluctuating hormone levels can cause obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can range from mild to severe.
The apnea-hypopnea index measures the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. This measure represents the number of breathing pauses you experience every hour you are asleep.
- Severe obstructive sleep apnea means that you have more than 30 pauses per hour.
- Moderate obstructive sleep apnea means you have between 15 and 30 episodes per hour.
- Mild obstructive sleep apnea means you have between 5 and 15 episodes per hour.
Your doctor will recommend treatment for this type of sleep apnea based on the severity of the apnea and any other medical conditions you have. For example, your doctor might decide to treat you even if you have mild obstructive sleep apnea but also have heart disease.
The second type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea. This type is far less common. Central sleep apnea is caused by medical conditions that impact how your brain sends signals to your airway and chest muscles.
Age, family history and genetics all increase your risk of central sleep apnea. Lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol and smoking, as well as opioid use, are also risk factors. Some conditions affecting your brain’s control of your airway and chest muscles can raise your risk. These include heart failure, stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Your hormone levels can also affect how your brain controls your breathing.
Negative health effects of sleep apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk for cardiac and metabolic health problems. Snoring, tiredness, and high blood pressure are also common side effects. People with sleep apnea often do not get restful sleep because breathing interruptions cause frequent night wake-ups. This lack of quality sleep results in mood swings, irritability and fatigue.
While sleep apnea can cause you to feel sluggish and lethargic, it can also cause other health concerns. Some studies have found sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, strokes, heart attacks and a shorter lifespan. While obesity often causes sleep apnea, there are many instances in which obesity is not a factor.
How does sleep apnea affect oral health?
What many people do not realize is that sleep apnea can have a profound impact on your oral health. Sleep apnea increases the likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease and teeth grinding. Because people with sleep apnea typically sleep with an open mouth, dry mouth is a common side effect. Often, oral health symptoms such as enamel wear and gum disease point to sleep apnea, which is why it is so important to have regular visits with your dentist.
Some oral devices can help treat sleep apnea. These are custom-fit devices that you typically wear in your mouth while you sleep. Two kinds of oral devices work differently to open the upper airway while you sleep.
- Mandibular repositioning mouthpieces cover the upper and lower teeth. They make sure the jaw stays in a position that prevents it from blocking the upper airway.
- Tongue-retaining devices make sure the tongue doesn’t block the upper airway.
How can I diagnose and prevent sleep apnea?
Sleep studies are often performed to diagnose sleep apnea. Sleep diaries are also a helpful tool to record how restful your sleep was and how tired you felt the following day. All of these details you collect can help your doctor diagnose your condition.
Many conditions can cause sleep apnea, so blood tests are often necessary to rule out any medical issues contributing to the apnea. For instance, conditions like PCOS and hypothyroidism can cause sleep apnea.
Eating a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can help prevent sleep apnea.
While these lifestyle changes can also help alleviate sleep apnea if you have it, breathing devices are a standard treatment option. If these treatments don’t work, your doctor might suggest surgery to resolve the underlying issue.