Sleep is meant to be a relaxing and restorative process for our minds and bodies. Many become grumpy or annoyed when valuable sleep is disrupted. Sometimes, our bodies can be the culprit.
When properly managed, sleep apnea itself isn’t life-threatening. Instead, people’s risk of dying increases because of complications associated with leaving this condition unmanaged. This includes:
- Cardiac arrest
- Accidents from fatigue
- Sudden drops in oxygen
All About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last a few seconds to over a minute, occurring dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night.
There are 3 main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is most common and occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA): Though less common, this occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: This is a combination of OSA and CSA, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea disrupts regular breathing because of partially or completely blocked airways. As breathing pauses, blood oxygen levels drop, triggering the brain to sense this lack of oxygen and briefly rouse the body from sleep to reopen the airway. These micro-arousals can happen multiple times throughout the night, often unnoticed by the person experiencing them.
Lack of continuous airflow forces a person to gasp or choke as breathing resumes. Over time, repeated interruptions disturb sleep’s restorative purpose, leading to fragmented sleep cycles and contributing to daytime fatigue, reduced concentration, and other health problems.
Sleep Apnea & Oral Health
To some surprise, sleep apnea can affect our oral health in several ways:
- Bruxism: Also known as teeth grinding, bruxism is 1 of the most common concerns. Grinding can wear down teeth, erode enamel, and lead to jaw pain.
- Dry mouth: This is common because people frequently breathe through their mouths during sleep. A dry mouth reduces saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Periodontal disease: Interrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels can cause inflammation that affects oral tissue and can exacerbate periodontal disease.
Causes & Symptoms
Sleep apnea can develop gradually over time or be triggered by specific factors. Common causes include:
- Genetics
- Excess weight around the neck
- Physical traits like a thick neck, narrow airway, or large tonsils
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and sleeping on your back can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms.
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but it doesn’t necessarily mean someone has the condition. These symptoms, when paired with snoring, may indicate the presence of sleep apnea:
- Morning headaches
- Irritability or mood changes
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Episodes of stopping breathing during sleep, often observed by a partner
Complications from Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more than just a minor inconvenience. Difficulty breathing and its associated complications highlight why this is a serious health condition, especially if it’s left untreated:
- Heart disease: Repeated drops in oxygen levels can lead to hypertension, irregular heartbeats, or even heart attacks.
- Stroke: People with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes: Disrupted sleep cycles can interfere with the body’s ability to process glucose effectively, increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Cognitive concerns: Poor-quality sleep causes excessive daytime fatigue, affecting concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities.
- Weakened immune system: Consistently poor sleep undermines the immune system, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Is It Possible to Die from Sleep Apnea?
It’s unfortunately possible for one to die from sleep apnea. Although rare, it’s important to recognize this happens because of sleep apnea-associated complications, and not directly from the condition itself.
- Cardiac arrest: Chronic oxygen deprivation can put significant strain on the heart, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions like heart attack or arrhythmia.
- Accidents from fatigue: Excessive daytime drowsiness can impair focus and reflexes, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.
- Sudden drops in oxygen: Severe untreated cases can lead to moments where oxygen dips dangerously low, putting the body under extreme stress.
Managing Sleep Apnea
While manageable, sleep apnea isn’t considered a condition that can be permanently cured in most cases, because the potential for cure depends on the underlying cause.
For example, sleep apnea linked to obesity can be managed through weight loss. Meanwhile, for those with CSA or cases tied to chronic conditions, ongoing sleep apnea treatments help manage the condition by reducing and controlling symptoms for a more comfortable sleeping experience.
When we think of managing sleep apnea, a CPAP machine has been the gold standard. This device uses pressurized air to keep airways open during sleep. While effective, many find it cumbersome.
Thankfully, there are a couple of less bulky alternatives.
Vivos System
The Vivos System resembles a dental retainer, and similarly, is a custom-fitted mouthpiece (courtesy of your dentist) worn during sleep to gradually expand the upper jaw and airway. It addresses the underlying structural concern and creates more airway space, reducing obstructions and improving airflow.
Over time, this gentle, noninvasive, portable, and lightweight tool provides long-term relief without bulky or nightly maintenance.
Take the First Step Toward More Restful Sleep
Managing sleep apnea mitigates the risk of its associated, life-threatening complications. Taking control of your sleep health can lead to better energy, improved focus, and a healthier, happier life.
Connect with our team at Outdoor Dental to schedule an appointment and explore which sleep apnea therapy option is most appropriate for your health needs.
