Sleep Apnea Treatment in Greenville, TX

Did you know that even though sleep apnea can affect the quality of sleep in patients of all ages, it’s more common in middle-aged patients? Also, men are twice as likely to experience the condition as women, but women are not excluded from the disorder. Two other culprits that can contribute to OSA are enlarged tonsils and a larger-than-average neck circumference. Lastly, a restless night’s sleep may be caused by a condition known as bruxism – more commonly called teeth grinding.

• Obesity. Both men and women are at greater risk for sleep apnea when they are overweight. Obstructive fat deposits in your upper airway can cause problems with your breathing and lead to sleep apnea.
• A narrowed throat. It is not your fault. This is simply how your body evolved genetically. A narrow airway may be a contributing factor to sleep apnea. Children are more likely to have a blocked airway due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
• Being male. Sorry guys! Sleep apnea is more common in men than it is in women, and can be as severe as 2 to 3 times more common in men. Women are more likely to have sleep apnea when they’re overweight and after menopause. Your age could also play a role.
• Being older. We found that patients over 50 are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the loss of muscle retention as you age.
• Alcohol and sedatives. Your sleep apnea can be aggravated by substances that relax your body. These substances can relax your throat muscles, which can lead to obstructive sleeping apnea.
• Smoking. You’re correct! Obstructive sleep apnea is two to three times more common in smokers than it is for non-smokers. Smoking increases inflammation and fluid retention in your upper airway which can lead to sleep apnea.
• Nasal congestion. You are more likely to have obstructive sleeping apnea if you have trouble breathing through your nose. Excessive mouth breathing is caused by air not passing through the nasal passages.
• Conditions that could cause sleep apnea. Congestive heart disease, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease are all possible causes. Sleep apnea can also be caused by hormonal disorders, chronic lung diseases like asthma, or a stroke.

Yes, sleep apnea can be dangerous. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be fatal.

Obstructive sleep apnea that is not treated increases the chance of:

• High blood pressure. Sleep apnea may lead to your condition getting worse. Lack of oxygen can cause sleep apnea, which is waking up several times per night. This creates stress at a time when you should be relaxing. This can cause your blood pressure to rise by triggering your body’s hormone system. This can lead to oxygen levels in your blood dropping when you are unable to breathe naturally.
• Heart disease. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common than not. Low oxygen circulation can cause this. This condition can also cause strokes and atrial fibrillation, which is a rapid, fluttering pulse. Obstructive sleep disorder apnea can cause your body to take in oxygen in a way that makes it difficult for your brain to control blood flow in your arteries.
• Weight gain. This is a Catch-22 situation. Extra pounds can increase your chances of developing sleep apnea and make it more difficult to lose weight.

• Be healthy. Being overweight will increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. A healthy weight will help prevent you from becoming obese, which can also reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
• Use a humidifier. Dry air can cause nasal congestion and irritation. Humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air. Humidifiers can open your airways, allowing for clearer breathing.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Avoiding alcohol and smoking will make a difference in your overall health, and help to reduce the severity and frequency of your sleep apnea. The muscles of your throat will be further relaxed by alcohol, which is why men (especially) snore much louder after having a night out. Smoking is a good way to avoid sleep apnea. It will prevent inflammation and fluid retention in your upper airway.

If it’s determined that your restless nights, daytime stress, headaches, a decline in memory, or increase in blood pressure are a result of teeth clenching and grinding, Dr. Graham is certified to provide custom-made oral appliances to aid in the reduction of these symptoms which may provide the relief you need for a restful night’s sleep.

‍

Rather than devoting a whole night to an away-from-home sleep study, your solution to OSA may be as simple as making an appointment with Graham Family Dental & Spa for an in-office assessment. And if time is an important commodity to you, you’ll appreciate our convenient early evening and Saturday appointment hours.