There are a lot of things that can disrupt our sleep these days—too much screen time, an excessive amount of caffeine before bed, even stressful thoughts about work or our home life can take over our brains when we are trying to relax.

But what if the thing that is keeping you from a restful night’s sleep could have some serious consequences? And what if those consequences could affect others, too?

Yes, we’re talking about sleep apnea. An estimated 39 million adults in the U.S. suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. And, like we said, it can have some serious consequences.

What is sleep apnea?

Before we discuss the causes of sleep apnea, let’s first define sleep-disordered breathing.

Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing stops or becomes very shallow while they sleep. These interruptions can happen anywhere from five to 100 times per hour, and each pause in breathing usually lasts between 10 and 20 seconds. As a result, the person’s brain and body may not get enough oxygen, leading to poor sleep and other health problems.

There are two main types of sleep apnea. The most prevalent is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airway is repeatedly blocked when you are trying to sleep. This blockage can be caused by various factors, such as obesity, large tonsils, or even changes in hormone levels, all of which can narrow the airway and make breathing difficult.

The other type is central sleep apnea, which is less common. In central sleep apnea, the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. This can happen due to certain health conditions that affect the way the brain manages the airway and chest muscles.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

We alluded to some of the most common causes of sleep apnea—obesity, large tonsils, and changes in hormone levels—but those are not the only causes. Let’s dig in a bit further. 

The common culprits that can increase your risk of developing this sleep condition are:

• Age: The risk of sleep apnea increases between the ages of 30 and 70.
• Genetics: A family history of this sleep condition can raise your risk of developing the condition.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using sedatives can relax the muscles in your throat, making sleep apnea more likely.
• Gender: Men are two to four times more likely than women to have obstructive sleep apnea.

Why Sleep Apnea Is So Dangerous 

So, why is sleep apnea so dangerous? Most people with this sleep condition wake up tired. They feel fatigued throughout the day, which can make it challenging to stay focused at work or at school.

And while we may all struggle with focus issues from time to time, the consequences of sleep apnea are far more severe. One of the key measures of sleep apnea severity is the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). A higher AHI means more frequent pauses in breathing, which has been linked to a higher risk of car accidents due to fatigue. 

For instance, people with severe sleep apnea (AHI ≥30) have a 123% higher risk of being involved in a car accident compared to those without this sleep condition. Even sleeping fewer hours can have an impact—those who sleep just six hours per night have a 33% higher chance of a car accident than those who get seven or eight hours of sleep.

In addition to these risks, sleep apnea can lead to other serious health problems. People with this sleep condition are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, have strokes, and experience heart attacks. 

The potential for severe health complications from untreated sleep apnea is real, which is why recognizing and addressing the condition is so important.

Your dentist in Edwardsville, IL, can help treat sleep apnea.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the first thing to do is visit your primary care physician for a diagnosis. It is important to understand that only a medical doctor can diagnose this ailment. However, your dentist can help with treatment, especially if a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure) is too cumbersome for you or is disruptive to your sleep partner. Your dentist can prescribe other options that can help sleep-disordered breathing and lessen the impacts of snoring, which can also affect your partner’s sleep.

One option is an occlusal splint or sleep appliance—a custom-made mouthguard designed to keep your airway open while you sleep. The way it works is simple: the sleep appliance repositions your jaw slightly forward, which helps prevent airway blockages that lead to sleep apnea episodes. This option is often more comfortable than a CPAP machine and can reduce snoring, making it easier for both you and others in your home to get a good night’s rest.

Why let sleep apnea impact your life?

Don’t let your sleep apnea disrupt your life. Your dentist at Hite Family Dentistry is ready to help with a custom night guard to help you get more rest and lessen your risk of the dangerous consequences that come with sleep-disordered breathing. Contact us today to book an appointment.