Many people who have sleep apnea will snore when they are asleep. But this isn’t always the case, as you could have sleep apnea even if you don’t snore. Central sleep apnea is different from the obstructive form, as it does not entail any physical items blocking your airways while you sleep. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain does not send signals to your muscles telling them to take in air while asleep.
Central sleep apnea is a worrying condition that can be harmful to your health. If you think you may be suffering from central sleep apnea, consult with Edward Knight, D.D.S, and the rest of the team at Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI for help with resolving any sleep apnea-related concerns.
Understanding central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain struggles to send signals to get enough air through your airways while you sleep. The condition often develops following problems like heart failure or stroke. Your brain may not function as well after one of these events, making it harder for you to send signals to the muscles necessary for helping your body bring in air while sleeping.
What are the common signs of central sleep apnea?
When you have central sleep apnea, you may suddenly awaken during the night and notice a shortness of breath when you get up during one of these episodes. You could experience insomnia, a condition where it is difficult for you to stay asleep. Some patients may also notice hypersomnia, a concern where the body is sleepy throughout much of the day.
Other concerns of central sleep apnea include difficulty concentrating during the day, headaches in the morning, and sudden mood changes. Snoring may also occur, although it will not be as pronounced as it would be if you had obstructive sleep apnea instead.
When should you seek help for sleep apnea?
The worst part about central sleep apnea is that you might not know you have this problem for a while. Contact us at Knight Dental Care of Midland, MI if you notice any episodes where you are short of breath when you wake up. These include instances where you are suddenly awakened because of your shortness of breath, struggling to stay asleep, or you are unable to stay awake during the day.
What sleep apnea treatments work?
It is possible to keep this form of sleep apnea under control. You may need to reduce the use of certain medications if they are contributing to the issue. You may also require a continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP machine to keep the concern under control.
A nerve stimulation process may also help. The practice will produce an electrical pulse that reaches the nerve that controls your diaphragm while you sleep. The system can help you trigger proper sleeping motions and actions without risking harm.
For more information about sleep apnea, contact us today
Contact us at Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI if you have concerns about sleep apnea that doesn’t result in snoring. We can check your current situation and identify a solution that fits your needs. Visit our office in Midland, MI today, or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Edward Knight. We can help you identify opportunities to improve your life and keep sleep apnea from being a threat.