Sleep is an essential part of human life. As a complex and magnificent machine, your body requires fuel and rest to continue working properly. Unfortunately, we do not always sleep as well as we should due to a number of different factors, including one of the more infamous nighttime disturbances—snoring. For those who sleep with a partner, snoring can be a divisive issue that deprives your partner of sleep at night, even if you do not realize that you snore. If your snoring is indicative of sleep apnea, however, then your partner will not be the only one who loses sleep over your condition. To help you get the rest that you need, Fresno dentists, Dr. Alex and Claudia Denes, explore how sleep apnea can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Is it Snoring, or Sleep Apnea?
Have you ever wondered how the sound o f snoring is generated? When you sleep, the muscles in your body relax, including those in your mouth and throat. When these tissues relax enough to obstruct your airway, the tissue vibrates as air squeezes past the obstruction, generating the sound of snoring. In some cases, however, the obstruction can grow great enough to block the flow of air completely, forcing you stop breathing. After about ten seconds or more, your body is forced to wake to restart the breathing process, although you may not be conscious of the disruption. These apnic episodes can happen hundreds of times a night, preventing your mind and body from falling into a deep enough sleep to rejuvenate.
Treat Sleep Apnea with Help from Fresno Dentists
Sleep apnea can often be difficult to discern from excessive snoring without the aid of a sleep study, which may require you to sleep overnight in a facility where your sleeping patterns and brain activity can be monitored. However, if you experience the symptoms of sleep deprivation (i.e., daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, etc.) even when you believe you are sleeping through the night, then you may be suffering from sleep apnea. To learn more, contact Dr. Alex and Claudia Denes by calling Fresno Dental Studio at (559) 297-1800. Located in the 93720 area, we proudly serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas. Also visit our Facebook page, become a fan, engage and communicate on any of your topic related to dentistry.