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:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): It’s the most common type, caused by soft tissue blockage in the throat during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, CSA occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles responsible for breathing.
- 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.