Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Reading, PA
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Contact UsHow Can You Recognize Sleep APnea?
Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder with serious health consequences if not treated. This particular disorder can lead to heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and mood disorders if not addressed by a sleep dentist or specialist.
At The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center, Reading, PA’s leading sleep specialist, Dr. Stephen Sulzbach is here to help his Reading, Kutztown, and Hamburg neighbors achieve the restful sleep they deserve. Take the first step toward a peaceful night’s rest by recognizing the causes and symptoms of sleep apnea with Dr. Sulzbach’s comprehensive guide.
What Are The Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
Knowing the different types of sleep apnea is an important step in getting the right sleep apnea treatment and most appropriate care. Sleep apnea causes, symptoms, and risk factors vary based on the type of sleep apnea and can impact the type of treatment you receive.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax to the point of blocking airflow during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This form of sleep apnea happens when the brain is not sending the correct signals to tell the body to breathe during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing or shallow breathing.
- Complex/Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA): If patients exhibit signs of both OSA and CSA, they may be diagnosed with complex or mixed sleep apnea if they are not responding to CPAP or oral appliance therapy.
What Are the Causes of Sleep Apnea?
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Your sleep professional will take these factors into account when deciding your treatment plan.
Common causes of sleep apnea include:
- Excess Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of sleep apnea as fatty tissue can develop around the upper airway and disrupt your breathing. Additionally, a larger neck circumference may also contribute to the condition.
- Genetics: If you have a family history of sleep apnea, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition yourself.
- Age: Older adults are more likely to develop sleep apnea compared to younger individuals and children.
- Substance Use: Alcohol, tranquilizers, and sedatives can relax the throat muscles and worsen obstructive sleep apnea.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, increasing your risk of sleep apnea or worsening your symptoms.
- Biological Sex: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea, particularly central sleep apnea, compared to women.
A few less commonly known causes of sleep apnea include:
- Deviated Septum: A deviated septum, which is when the wall between the nasal passages is displaced, can narrow the air passages and cause or worsen sleep apnea.
- PTSD: Emerging scientific evidence suggests that there’s a strong connection between symptoms between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and OSA.
- Cancer: Scientific studies suggest that patients with certain cancers, including melanoma and head and neck cancers, often experience apneic episodes.
These are just some of the possible causes of sleep apnea. Since there are multiple forms of sleep apnea and a wide array of possible causes, you should contact our Reading, PA office to get an accurate understanding of what’s causing your symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
While loud snoring is one of the most common sleep apnea symptoms, not everyone who snores has a sleep disorder. We recommend scheduling a consultation at our Reading, PA office right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Morning headaches
- Dry, scratchy throat when you wake up
- Short attention span during the day
- Difficulty staying awake during the day
- Poor short-term memory
- Poor productivity
- Irritability
- Depression or mood swings
Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms and protect your overall health. If you think you’re showing signs of sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sulzbach.
The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania Reviews
Dr. Sulzbach helped me with my sleep apnea and snoring. My wife is so much happier now!
I have had the luck and the pleasure of seeing Dr. Salzbach on several occasions. An extremely knowledgeable and professional, who truly does care about his patients. He takes the time to explain options, procedures to you in a way that you've understand and is very up front. I would highly recommend anytime to anyone.
Dr. Sulzbach and Corrine Lambert were amazing in taking care of my sleep apnea needs. I can’t wait to see how much improvement there is with the new device.
I have sleep apnea and felt awful for years. Just constantly tired. I can't wear the cpap. I tried but I just hate the thing. Dr Steve made a dental appliance and I am sleeping through the night without even snoring for the first time in probably 20 years. He's really laid back but straight to the point.
I have been going to Dr. Steve for years. He is a competent and wonderful dentist. It is a shame what Harrisburg tried to do to him. I guess when they need a scape goat to further their agenda they don't care who they try to hurt in the process. Rest assured he is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to and goes beyond the standard of care!
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What Are the Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Children?
Children suffering from sleep apnea may experience the following:
- Mouth breathing during the day
- Bedwetting
- Poor performance in school
- Hyperactivity
- Aggressive behavior
- Sleep terrors
Given that children under the age of 12 are still developing, early intervention is crucial in potentially reversing their sleep apnea. By seeking an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, you can help ensure that your child does not face any developmental delays or long-term consequences of this condition. Your sleep specialist at The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center, Dr. Sulzbach, is dedicated to providing early and effective treatment for young patients.
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About UsUnderstand Your Sleep Apnea
At The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center, Dr. Stephen Sulzbach can help you understand your sleep apnea and provide effective treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it may be time to schedule your free consultation. Contact our Reading, PA office today and schedule an appointment. We offer sleep apnea solutions and education to patients from areas such as Reading, Ephrata, and New Morgan.
Sleep Apnea Causes & Symptoms FAQs
Does sleep apnea cause high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is one of the many potential health consequences of sleep apnea. Additionally, having high blood pressure often makes sleep apnea more severe, which in turn creates a cycle of worsening sleep apnea symptoms. That’s why effective diagnosis and treatment are vital to your health and well-being.
What are the causes of central sleep apnea?
Central sleep apnea is a rare form of sleep apnea most often caused by neurological disorders and other abnormal physical and mental situations such as:
- Sleeping at high altitude
- Cheyne Stokes Respirations
- Medication or substance use such as narcotics
- Problems with the brain stem including infection and previous stroke
What are the symptoms of severe sleep apnea?
If you have severe sleep apnea, you may experience symptoms such as:
- High blood pressure
- Personality changes and mood swings
- Insomnia
- Excessive daytime tiredness (hypersomnia)
- Depression
- Extremely loud (heroic) snoring
- Seizures (even if you have no history of epilepsy)
It’s important to treat your sleep apnea before it gets worse to ensure the longevity of your physical and mental health. You should call your sleep dentist if you think you’re experiencing even mild possible symptoms of sleep apnea.
Does tinnitus cause sleep apnea?
Certain studies suggest a strong link between sleep apnea and tinnitus. However, research is still being conducted, so current information on the relationship between sleep apnea and tinnitus might be lacking. If you have tinnitus, be sure to mention this, as well as any symptoms to your sleep specialist so they can better understand your case.