
Do you have lingering questions about snoring and sleep apnea? Our team at NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry is just a phone call away! We’re here to help you with anything you’re concerned about.
Before you come in for your consultation, read the frequently asked questions on this page to learn some of the finer points of snoring and sleep apnea.
What are the 3 symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The three primary sleep apnea symptoms are:
- Loud Snoring: This is often the most noticeable symptom. The snoring is usually loudest when sleeping on the back and may be less noisy when turning on the side.
- Choking or Gasping for Air: People with sleep apnea often experience episodes where they choke or gasp for air in their sleep. This happens when the airway is blocked, causing a temporary cessation of breathing.
- Daytime Fatigue: Despite spending enough time in bed, individuals with sleep apnea often feel tired and sleepy during the day. This is due to the repeated awakenings at night that fragment the quality of sleep.
What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?
If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to a range of health problems including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Worsening of ADHD
Moreover, the constant fatigue can affect your daily life, causing difficulties in concentration, memory problems, and an increased risk of accidents.
How can I test myself for sleep apnea?
While you cannot diagnose yourself with sleep apnea, you can look for signs that may indicate the presence of this disorder. If you snore loudly, feel tired during the day, or have been told that you stop breathing during sleep, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend a sleep study, which can be done in a sleep center or at home using a portable monitor.
If you feel you may have sleep apnea, call our team at NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry to schedule a consultation today.
Can Apple Watch detect sleep apnea?
The Apple Watch itself is not designed to diagnose sleep apnea. However, there are third-party apps available that claim to use the data from the Apple Watch to monitor sleep patterns and detect signs of sleep apnea. It’s important to note that these apps should not replace a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional or proper treatment devices such as a sleep apnea machine.
How do I get rid of sleep apnea?
Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity and type of sleep apnea. Common treatments include:
- CPAP Machine: This sleep apnea machine is a device that keeps your airway open by providing a constant stream of air through a mask.
- Lifestyle Changes: Such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and changing sleep positions.
- Oral Appliances: Devices that keep the throat open by bringing the jaw forward.
- Surgery: In severe cases, procedures to remove tissue or repair structural abnormalities may be necessary.
What are the 3 types of sleep apnea?
Understanding what is sleep apnea is crucial when discussing its types. Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. There are 3 main types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form, where throat muscles relax blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): In CSA, the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type occurs when someone has both OSA and CSA.
Does sleep apnea go away?
Sleep apnea does not usually go away on its own. Treatment and lifestyle changes are often necessary to manage the symptoms and prevent the health risks associated with sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea be cured naturally?
Lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. These include losing weight, exercising regularly, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the best sleep position for sleep apnea?
Sleeping on your side is often considered the best sleep position for sleep apnea. This position prevents the tongue and soft tissues in the throat from collapsing to the back of the throat which can obstruct the airway. Some people find relief by using a body pillow to help them maintain a side-sleeping position throughout the night.
Can a pillow help with sleep apnea?
Yes, using a specially designed pillow can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Wedge pillows or cervical pillows can help by keeping the airways aligned and open. These pillows are designed to elevate the upper body and support the neck, which can reduce the likelihood of the airway collapsing during sleep.
Can skinny people have sleep apnea?
While obesity is a common risk factor for sleep apnea, thin individuals can also suffer from this disorder. Factors such as family history, having a naturally narrow airway, or issues with the muscles that control breathing can contribute to sleep apnea regardless of body weight.
What triggers sleep apnea?
What causes sleep apnea? Several factors can trigger this health problem, including:
- Obesity
- Family history
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Use of sedatives
- Nasal congestion
- Having a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils
- How long can you live with sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. While it’s difficult to predict the exact impact on lifespan, managing sleep apnea effectively through treatment and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
How long can you live with sleep apnea?
Living with untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact your health and quality of life, potentially leading to serious health issues over time, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. While it varies among individuals, managing sleep apnea with proper treatment is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Call us for a sleep consultation right away if you suspect you have sleep apnea.
Can sleep apnea be caused by stress?
Stress alone is not a direct cause of sleep apnea, but it can exacerbate the symptoms. Stress can lead to weight gain, changes in sleeping patterns, and increased alcohol or sedative use, all of which can contribute to sleep apnea.
Is coffee good for sleep apnea?
While coffee can help to alleviate the symptoms of daytime sleepiness associated with sleep apnea, it is not a treatment for the condition. Additionally, excessive consumption of coffee, especially later in the day, can interfere with sleep quality.
What are the 6 signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes such as irritability or depression
Ready to Really Sleep Soundly Again? Give Us a Call!
If you’re experiencing signs of sleep apnea, it’s important to take action. At NY Center for Aesthetic and Laser Dentistry in Manhattan, we offer comprehensive sleep apnea treatments that can help you sleep better and improve your overall health. Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back from living your best life.
Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation. Take the first step towards a restful night’s sleep and a healthier future.