23 Oct Sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea and the Problems It Causes

How common is sleep apnea? It’s estimated that over 4% of the adult population suffers from sleep apnea, but many go undiagnosed. So what exactly is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax and narrow while you sleep, causing the airway to become blocked and interrupting your breathing as you sleep. Since oxygen levels are depleted, you awaken frequently throughout the night to catch your breath, which creates disruptions that make it difficult to get restful, deep sleep.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing while asleep. During an apneic episode, airflow to and from your lungs is temporarily stopped. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. They differ in terms of cause as well as treatment options.

How can I find out if I have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes someone to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. In severe cases, sleep apnea can interfere with your heart rate, brain activity, and even your general quality of life. If you’re concerned about having sleep apnea, request an appointment with Dr. Nenkov for more information.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

Two of the most common types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when your airway is obstructed, usually as a result of being overweight or having a large neck. Air can flow to your lungs through only one passage, causing you to wake up in order to breathe. CSA is different from OSA in that it does not involve an obstruction; it happens when your brain fails to signal for your muscles to breathe.

What is obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by an obstruction to airflow during sleep. This results in shallow or interrupted breathing or both.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sufferers may notice that their sleep quality is impaired by excessive snoring. In some cases, both snoring and not breathing occur during sleep. These symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of poor health, but in actuality are indicators of a potentially serious condition that’s starting to develop. While there are several forms of sleep apnea, all cases affect a person’s ability to get enough oxygen while they sleep, which can lead to long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease.

What are permanent treatments for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which people have trouble breathing while sleeping. They wake up many times during sleep because they are unable to breathe, causing them to use more oxygen than they should throughout their day. There are several options for treating sleep apnea, from lifestyle changes to surgery. The type of treatment recommended depends on factors such as how severe a person’s condition is and whether or not he has risk factors for other health problems like heart disease or diabetes. Those who are at high risk may need to start by changing their lifestyle. Lifestyle changes can include quitting smoking, losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding alcohol, and improving your diet (with plenty of fiber-rich foods), among others.

Dr. Nenkov’s solutions for sleep apnea in Calgary, SW

With Dr. Nenkov’s honest, transparent, and compassionate approach to every patient’s dental needs, when you visit Evergreen Dental you can expect that:

• You’ll Receive a Thorough Diagnosis. (Dr. Nenkov often states diagnosis is 90% of treatment)
• Your Treatment Will Be Clearly Explained. (Dr. Nenkov won’t proceed until you feel comfortable and understand the science behind his recommendations)
• You, the Patient, Will Make an Informed Decision About Your Treatment. (As Dr. Nenkov says frequently, patients who do not have a complete understanding of their condition cannot make an informed decision.)

• You Will Experience Dental Procedures That Are Mindful About Creating the Least Amount of Discomfort.
• Your Concerns Will Always Be Heard and Understood.
• You’ll Receive an Honest Opinion About Treatment. 
• You’ll Undergo Comprehensive Treatment Planning. (Dr. Nenkov compares treatment planning to putting together a puzzle which takes time and skill)

You can trust Dr. Nenkov and our team to listen to you, to work with you and your insurance, and to deliver uncompromised treatment outcomes.