Sleep Apnea FAQs

FAQs About Sleep Apnea in St. Charles, MO

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can affect every aspect of your life, causing a gradual decline in your physical and mental health. If you are experiencing worsening daytime drowsiness, poor concentration, memory issues, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, our team at Donahue Dental can help. Read through these answers to frequently asked questions about sleep apnea in St. Charles, MO, and then call us to schedule an appointment for a sleep apnea test or treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop, get interrupted, or become very shallow during sleep. Your brain wakes you up so that you can resume breathing normally, which prevents normal sleep patterns. These episodes can last from a few seconds to minutes and can significantly affect your health and the quality of your sleep.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The most common sleep apnea symptoms are:

• Waking up over and over throughout the night
• Experiencing multiple instances where your breathing pauses while sleeping
• Exhibiting strange breathing patterns during sleep, like shallow breathing or fast breathing
• Snoring
• Waking up with a jolt and feeling like you’re gasping for air
• Feeling extremely fatigued and exhausted throughout the day, even if you think you got enough sleep
• Waking up feeling unrested or tired

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can be caused by a blockage of your airway or because your brain is not effectively controlling your breathing during sleep.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Dr. Donahue and our team will ask questions about your sleep habits, lifestyle, symptoms, and medical history. We may recommend testing to confirm a diagnosis. The most common tests used are a polysomnogram or home sleep apnea testing.

What Are the Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea?

The risk factors for sleep apnea are:

• A family history of sleep apnea
• A heart condition, stroke, or elevated blood pressure
• Large tonsils
• Obesity

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Treatment depends on your age, lifestyle, and the type and severity of your condition. The most common treatments are:

• Breathing devices like a CPAP machine
• Changes to sleep habits and sleep positions
• Managing underlying conditions or risk factors
• Wearing an oral appliance
• Using a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device
• Taking medications
• Undergoing surgery

What Is CPAP Therapy, & How Does It Work?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a machine that treats sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air through a mask. This keeps your airways open while you sleep, helping you breathe normally and allowing you to stay asleep throughout the night.

Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?

Sleep apnea is treated but rarely cured. Whether it can be cured depends on your commitment to treatment and making lifestyle changes and the type and severity of your sleep apnea and its underlying cause.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Other Health Problems?

Yes. Without management and treatment, sleep apnea side effects can increase your risk of:

• Fatigue
• Memory and concentration issues
• Heart arrhythmias
• High blood pressure
• Heart damage and heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke

How Can I Improve My Sleep if I Have Sleep Apnea?

The best ways to improve your sleep are:

• Practicing good sleep hygiene
• Removing distractions from the bedroom
• Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the bedroom
• Reaching a healthy weight
• Following a healthy diet
• Managing existing health conditions
• Quitting smoking or use of tobacco products
• Avoiding alcohol

Call Donahue Dental to Find Solutions for Sleep Apnea

At Donahue Dental, Dr. Donahue and our team can provide a diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea in St. Charles, MO. We can help you better understand the underlying cause of your condition, as well as risk factors that contribute to your symptoms. We will guide you in making key lifestyle changes and improving your sleep hygiene. We will also help you determine which sleep apnea treatment option is right for you. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation.