What Are The Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

If you frequently wake up in the morning with headaches, suffer from chronic fatigue, or have difficulty concentrating or focusing throughout the day, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Another telltale sign is if you’re regularly accused of loud snoring. You may not be getting the rest that you need throughout the night, which can affect your performance during the day and your personal relationships. At Weatherford Dental Sleep, Dr. Deborah A. Romack has extensive training in helping patients effectively manage their sleep apnea and get a good night’s rest. Here we’ll discuss the different types of sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The most common form of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea, and it occurs when your upper airway is blocked or obstructed. The lack of oxygen signals your brain to wake you up, and this can happen hundreds of times throughout the night. You probably don’t even realize that you’re waking up, but your body is not getting much needed rest that restores and rejuvenates your vital organs. This is why you may feel tired and sluggish during the day, and it’s also the reason you snore loudly.

Central Sleep Apnea

A less common form of sleep apnea is known as central sleep apnea, which is caused by the way your brain functions. Your brain does not communicate with your muscles effectively and ask them to breathe. Central sleep apnea is often linked to other health concerns such as:

• Damage to the lower brainstem
• Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
• Thyroid disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney failure

Snoring is not usually associated with central sleep apnea, but you may find that you’re fatigued, irritable, have poor memory, or wake up with headaches.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

If central sleep apnea is associated with another health concern, your doctor may try to address that concern first. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is a standard form of treatment for both types of sleep apnea. This involves wearing a mask at night while you sleep, which delivers the right amount and pressure of oxygen to keep your airway open throughout the night. Many patients however, find it uncomfortable to wear a mask while they sleep.

Dr. Romack also offers an alternative sleep apnea treatment in Weatherford, which is using a customized oral appliance to slightly reposition your jaw and open your airway throughout the night. Oral appliances can also work in conjunction with CPAP therapy.

If you’re ready to reclaim your sleep, contact our office today to learn more about how Dr. Romack may be able to help you.