What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that prevents you from getting a good night’s rest. It occurs when your breathing starts and stops repeatedly. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when throat muscles relax and block your airway. It’s a potentially serious disorder, but sleep apnea treatment can offer you relief.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Some signs and symptoms to watch out for, which can indicate sleep apnea, include:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Episodes of stopped breathing
- Morning headaches
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Problems concentrating
- Mood changes
Because quality sleep is so important for your overall health and wellness, seek treatment as soon as possible if you struggle with sleep apnea.
What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?
There’s a genetic component associated with sleep apnea, so you’re more likely to get it if someone in your family has it. Physical factors that increase your risk include asthma, carrying excess weight, a narrow airway, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, a family history of sleep apnea, and chronic nasal congestion.
How does my provider diagnose sleep apnea?
To find out if you have sleep apnea, Dr. Aurasteh and her team review your symptoms and medical history. They evaluate your neck, throat, breathing, mouth, teeth, and gums, and might recommend you undergo a sleep study at home or in a sleep center.
What are my sleep apnea treatment options?
Depending on the type and severity of your sleep apnea, Dr. Aurasteh and her team might recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Making specific lifestyle changes can relieve sleep apnea and its symptoms. Examples include weight loss, regular exercise, not smoking or drinking excessively, allergy treatment, avoiding sedatives, and not sleeping on your back.
Oral devices
Dr. Aurasteh and her team offer custom-fit mouthpieces, or oral devices, that improve mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Place the device in your mouth before you go to sleep, so it can keep your throat and airway open. Oral devices work by bringing your jaw forward or moving your tongue into a more desirable position.
CPAP
If you have a severe form of sleep apnea, Dr. Aurasteh might recommend you talk with your doctor or try a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to optimize airflow while you sleep. However, because you must wear a mask or nasal device during CPAP treatment, you might prefer a mouthpiece instead.
Don’t live with chronic sleep deprivation when simple sleep apnea treatments are within reach at Oral Care Dentistry: Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS. Schedule an appointment by phone or online for better sleep today.
