Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which the patient stops breathing during sleep and can happen for a variety of reasons. Even though it is a common sleep disorder, it can have more serious or long-term effects if left untreated. The three types of sleep apnea include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea – This type refers to a loss of breathing during sleep due to the relaxation of the muscles in the throat during sleep causing an obstruction of the airways. This type of sleep apnea is easily treatable and often needs little medical intervention. Some examples of treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea are position change during sleep, sleeping on the side, or a decrease of alcohol consumption can all help.
• Central sleep apnea – This type refers to a loss of breathing during sleep due to the lack of signals from the brain to muscles used during breathing. This type of sleep apnea is less common and can be treated with supplemental oxygen, a sleeping aid or by treating other medical conditions that may be causing the sleep apnea.
• Complex sleep apnea – This type refers to a loss of breathing due to having both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Patients with this type of sleep apnea often need to use a CPAP machine during sleep to open up airways.

If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of sleep apnea please contact Oradell Family Dental today at 201-384-9292 for a consultation with a dentist. Our Bergenfield sleep apnea dentist can help diagnose sleep apnea if you have it and find a treatment option that is right for you.