Do you commonly wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air? Is your spouse losing sleep because you snore? Do you feel tired throughout the day without knowing why? If you answered “yes” to these questions, there is a good chance that you suffer from a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Today we will provide some information about this sleep disorder and a helpful treatment known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes those who are affected to frequently stop and resume breathing throughout the night. This condition is caused by an excessive relaxation of the throat muscles that leads to a blockage in the airway that often lasts until the affected person wakes up from a lack of air.

A few of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Waking up abruptly, gasping for air throughout the night.
• Snoring.
• Daytime fatigue.
• High blood pressure.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be effectively managed with a machine that maintains continuous positive airway pressure.

How Does CPAP Work?

A CPAP machine continuously delivers specially treated, pressurized air to the affected person through a face or nose mask to keep their airway open while they sleep.

Do you suspect that you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea? Schedule an appointment at Briggs Family Dentistry for an oral examination to see if your jaw is the source of your nighttime breathing issue.