Why Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a surprisingly common condition, affecting upwards of thirty million people in the United States alone. It’s a serious condition that we can treat at Sleep Apnea and TMJ Solutions in Brentwood and Murfreesboro TN.

People often wonder why they’ve developed sleep apnea. There is no known cause, but we do know that the chances of getting it increase with age. That said, it can occur in anyone, even infants.

There are two basic types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. A third type, called complex, combines osbstructive and central sleep apnea.

  • Obstruct sleep apnea. By far the most common, it occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep. Soft tissue collapses and blocks the airway.
  • Central sleep apnea. This happens when the brain doesn’t properly communicate with the muscles that control breathing.

With each of these, you stop breathing. Patients typically wake up gasping for air. It can happen repeatedly through the night.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to health problems like:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Depression

The good news is that sleep apnea is a treatable condition.

At Sleep Apnea and TMJ Solutions in Brentwood and Murfreesboro TN, sleep apnea and its treatment is our specialty. It begins with a proper diagnosis. If you or someone you love has sleep issues, please give us a call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions:

615-850-8445

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 203
Brentwood, TN 37027

1605 Medical Center Pkwy, Suite 215
Murfreesboro, TN 37129