Will Losing Weight Cure Sleep Apnea?

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Aside from the outward symptoms of sleep apnea what happens to the body during sleep apnea is far more scary. The body is actually being deprived of oxygen. To be precise, the brain is being deprived of oxygen, as well as the other bodily organs. That’s not good. Now, since being overweight is one of the risk factors for sleep apnea, one of the most common questions that your dentist in Burlington, MA gets is, will losing weight cure sleep apnea. If you need to lose weight, then great—go for it. But it may not cure your sleep apnea.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is when the throat muscles relax and block the airway, and frankly, it’s more likely to happen in individuals carrying extra weight.

The Role of Weight in Sleep Apnea

Excess weight, especially around the neck and upper body, can put pressure on the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep. For people with moderate to severe OSA, losing weight may help to alleviate symptoms because there will be less pressure on this area.

Can Weight Loss Cure Sleep Apnea?

But even though the scales may tell you good news, you might not have the good news you’re looking for as far as sleep apnea. Some people continue to experience symptoms even after losing a substantial amount of weight. This is because other factors, such as genetics, airway structure, or pre-existing medical conditions, can contribute to sleep apnea. It’s all a bit complicated, right?

Your dentist at Advanced Dental Care may have some treatment options for you regarding your sleep apnea in Burlington, MA. Contact us today to learn more.

Does Obesity Cause Sleep Apnea?

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If you’re a person with sleep apnea, or you have a sleep partner with this condition, you may have heard that being overweight contributes to it. So, if you or your partner need to lose weight, you may be thinking that the sleep apnea is the fault of the person, and that going on a diet may be all that’s needed. There are problems with that theory, though, as your Burlington, MA dentist can tell you.

What is Obstructed Sleep Apnea?

One of the most common forms of sleep apnea is called OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. This is when the airway is obstructed, either fully or partially, during sleep. This type may be because of excess fat around the neck and throat, which can add pressure to the airway, making the passage where oxygen is supposed to flow, narrower and constricted.

What is Central Sleep Apnea?

Central sleep apnea, or CSA, happens when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

What is Complex Sleep Apnea?

This form is a combination of CSA and OSA. It’s commonly called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, although that’s not the part you should be concerned about.

The Problem With Thinking Obesity is Causing Your Sleep Apnea

First, you can’t diagnose the underlying cause of your sleep apnea. Only a professional can accurately do that. Second, let’s be honest about dieting. How many diets have you tried and failed over the years, if you’re overweight? It can be months or years before you’re able to lose weight. So while you’re beating yourself up over those carbs you had at lunch, meanwhile the sleep apnea continues and threatens your health. The sleep apnea needs to be treated separately from any weight issue.

If you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, know that sleep apnea treatment in Burlington, MS is available. Contact Advanced Dental Care to learn more.

Why Do I Snore So Loud?

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Snoring is a normal thing that many people do. Did you know that loud snoring can be a sign of a problem? Loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that can put your health at risk.

Your dentist in Burlington, MA can help. At Advanced Dental Care, we help patients determine whether they have sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea, treatment can reduce your symptoms and your risk. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring can be caused by many things. Everything from the anatomy of your mouth to whether you have a cold can cause you to snore. Soft snoring is not a problem, but loud snoring is a sign of sleep apnea.

Loud snoring happens when the airway collapses during sleep, causing the person who is sleeping to briefly stop breathing. This is sleep apnea. To resume sleeping, the body awakens. This happens so fast that the person doesn’t realize they’ve woken up. They fall back to sleep and the cycle begins again.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?

Besides loud snoring, there are other signs of sleep apnea. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Tiredness, even when you’ve slept a full night
  • Gasping during sleeping
  • Difficulty focusing throughout the day
  • Mood swings
  • High blood pressure

What Should I Do If I Have Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to seek sleep apnea treatment in Burlington MA as soon as possible. Dentists can use many tools to help keep the airway open while you sleep at night. Talk to your dentist at Advanced Dental Care to learn more about how we can help.