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You may have heard the term sleep apnea in recent years as more and more is learnt about the condition. But you may not be aware of all the details of this potentially very dangerous condition. While it must be stressed that in most cases the patient will suffer no real serious health conditions as a result of sleep apnea, it is possible for it to cause fatal heart attacks and disease.
There are two types of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. The more common form of the condition is obstructive. This is caused b a physical malfunction where the soft palate actually collapses during sleep. This temporarily blocks the airway and leads to a guttural choking sound that many people often confuse with snoring. This will eventually right itself after about twenty to thirty seconds but can happen up to a hundred times a night, several times a week. As you can imagine, this is not idea and can be the underlying cause of many other health complaints such as fatigue, stress and anxiety. In children especially it can be responsible for under-performance in school and a lack of concentration.
There are other downsides, especially if the patient shares a bed. Sleep apnea can be very loud and often disrupt the sleep of partners and loved ones, putting strain on a relationship.
The other form of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, is cause by the respiratory centre of the brain omitting to instruct the lungs to breath. This again causes a cessation of breathing that will eventually correct itself. This form of apnea is perhaps the more dangerous as it is not as easily cured. If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, you need to make an appointment with your London dentist who will be able to spot the tell-tale signs and recommend treatment.