What Causes Sleep Apnea?
As humans, sleep is one of the most important things for our health and well-being. When our sleep is jeopardized, there can be many complications that follow. While there are many sleeping disorders that people deal with, sleep apnea is one of the most common. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and start while you are sleeping. It can potentially be dangerous if it is left untreated. It is best to understand what the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea are so that you can address these issues sooner, rather than later.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, which causes your airways to narrow when you breathe in. This is the most common form of sleep apnea and can result in low blood oxygen levels.
The other form of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain does not send signals to muscles that allow you to breathe. As a result, your body makes no effort to breathe for a short period.
It is important to know the causes and risk factors for both forms of sleep apnea.
Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
- Obesity
- Narrow airways
- Enlarged tonsils
- Enlarged uvula
- Large tongue
- Jaw misalignment
- Being male
- Family history
- A history of smoking
Risk Factors of Central Sleep Apnea
- Being over age 60
- Being male
- A history of congenital heart failure or strokes
- Taking narcotic pain medications
- Living at a high altitude
- Using a CPAP
Treat Your Sleep Apnea With Dr. Marc Levin
Chronic fatigue can stop you from living the life you deserve. Dr. Marc Levin at EOS Dental Sleep in Philadelphia is here to help you reclaim your life from sleep apnea. Dr. Marc Levin is a dentist that specializes in sleep apnea and snoring. If you are having issues with either of these things, Dr. Marc Levin is the doctor for you. He has undergone advanced training for oral appliance therapy, which allows him to custom-fit FDA-approved devices that help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.
If you are interested in working with Dr. Marc Levin to treat your sleep apnea or snoring, please call us today at 215-241-0700 or request a consultation here.