Sleep apnea is a condition where the patient suffers from breathing during sleep. As a result, the patient wakes up frequently to start breathing again. This stops the patient from getting sufficient sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is one of the common forms of sleep apnea is a condition, wherein the soft tissues at the back of the throat of the patient collapse to block the airway. As a result, the patient stops breathing. When the oxygen level in the blood falls, the brain sends signals to the body to wake up and start breathing again. The breathing pause may last from a few seconds to more than a minute. The cycle repeats many times. Patients experience fatigue and headache when they wake up.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is difficult to diagnose since the characteristics of the problem are evident when the patient is asleep. Our dentist collects information from the bedtime partner of the patient and may send the patient to the sleep center to study the case. Other symptoms for sleep apnea include:- Headache
- Day-time drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating on daily activities
- Fatigue
