Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Suspect sleep apnea? It’s a condition where your breathing stops during sleep, affecting over 12 million Americans. Symptoms include daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, and nighttime breathlessness.

Types of Sleep Apnea:

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): It’s the most common type, caused by soft tissue blockage in the throat during sleep.
  2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, CSA occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles responsible for breathing.
  3. Mixed/Complex Sleep Apnea: Some individuals experience a combination of OSA and CSA.

Risk Factors:

  • Age, gender (more common in males), obesity, smoking, alcohol use, sedatives, and family history can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea:

  • Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, daytime dysfunction, and an increased risk of accidents, especially when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Treatment Options:

  • Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
  • Oral devices can be used to reposition the mouth and prevent throat blockages during sleep.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Concerned?

  • If you suspect sleep apnea in yourself or a family member, contact our practice. We can refer you to a sleep specialist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. This may include custom oral devices to improve your sleep quality.