Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects more than 20 million people in this country. It’s a condition in which a person just stops breathing periodically while sleeping. These stoppages in breathing can occur a few times a night or a few hundred times a night depending on the severity. There are three different types of sleep apnea. Let’s take a look at the different types of sleep apnea from your dentist in Tamarac.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting 4% of men and 2% of women. This form of sleep apnea is caused by partial or complete blockage of the airways during sleep. Despite it being the most common form of sleep apnea, only about 10% of all the people that suffer from it seek treatment.
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily fails to signal the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. If you think of obstructive sleep apnea being a mechanical problem, central sleep apnea is a communication problem. Central sleep apnea is often caused by medical problems and conditions that affect the brainstem, making it much less common.
Mixed sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea symptoms. Typically, this form of sleep apnea is treated with CPAP machines.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, come see us at TLC Dental. We offer several different treatment methods. Contact us today to learn more.
