Causes & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Causes & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and common sleep disorder that occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, preventing normal airflow to the lungs. This blockage can lead to frequent pauses in breathing, which disrupt sleep and may cause a host of related health issues.

When you are awake, the muscles in your throat help keep your airway open, allowing air to flow smoothly into your lungs. However, during sleep, these muscles naturally relax, which can narrow the airway. For most people, this narrowing does not obstruct airflow. But in individuals with sleep apnea, the airway can become partially or fully blocked for several reasons:

  • The throat muscles and tongue relax excessively.
  • The tongue and tonsils are larger relative to the airway opening.
  • Excess weight can increase pressure on the airway, leading to obstruction.
  • Anatomical features, such as the shape of the head and neck, may contribute to a smaller airway.
  • As we age, changes in muscle tone and nerve signals may make it harder to maintain an open airway during sleep.

When the airway is partially or completely blocked, insufficient air reaches the lungs, which can result in loud snoring and a drop in blood oxygen levels during sleep. This interruption in breathing can disrupt sleep and lead to significant health issues.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sleep apnea affects more than just your sleep, it can also impact your memory and cognitive function! Because sleep apnea disrupts the deep, restorative stages of sleep, it can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. In fact, studies have shown that people with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk for conditions like memory loss and even dementia as they age. So, getting proper treatment for sleep apnea is crucial not just for better sleep, but for maintaining mental sharpness as well!

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

To help you better understand sleep apnea we have put together some symptoms and causes for you to review:

  • Daytime Sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Memory or learning problems
  • Not being able to concentrate

  • Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings

  • Waking up frequently to urinate
  • Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

Pay close attention to these symptoms, and if you notice any, contact Tulsa TMJ & Sleep Disorders Clinic to learn more about sleep apnea and available treatment options.

Our team is dedicated to helping patients address sleep apnea and achieve more restful, restorative sleep. If you or a loved one suspects sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our doctors offer comfortable, non-invasive treatment options, including custom oral appliance therapy designed to help keep the airway open during sleep. For appropriate patients, oral appliance therapy can help reduce snoring and improve sleep-disordered breathing, providing an effective alternative to CPAP.

Call us today at 918-582-8651

To schedule your comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward better sleep and lasting pain relief.