Get advice on sleep apnea from London City dentists
Sleep apnea is a condition which affects about one and half per cent of British women and three and a half per cent of British men. It is most prevalent in those over forty years old. It involves the relaxation of your throat muscles during sleep which blocks the airways briefly.
If oxygen suddenly cannot reach the brain then the brain sends a signal to your body to wake up so sleep apnea sufferers have very disrupted sleeping patterns. Experiencing sleep apnea and the resulting disruptions to sleep can make life rather difficult for sufferers. Drowsiness during the day because of insufficient sleep can slow down reaction times and sleep apnea patients are actually more likely to be involved in car accidents. The hypertension that can be brought on by sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High risk categories include people who are overweight and smokers. Taking alcohol before sleep can increase the chance of sleep apnea, as can the use of sleeping pills and other sedatives. Hormonal changes can lead to sleep apnea too. Some studies have shown that the condition runs in families.
Because your London City dentist has access to tongue and soft palate which are involved in sleep apnea, he or she can help to diagnose the condition. You might be prescribed a mask which initiates continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to make sure than oxygen steadily flows to your lungs during the night. These can be difficult for some patients to wear and hard to get used to but they are a better guarantee than the smaller inter oral devices (IOD).
Looking for a cosmetic dentist? City of London dentists are here to help
Your London City dentist can give you more information about sleep apnea should you require it.
