Sleep Apnea 101 -- Do you have it and what can you do?

 

If you snore, you know it can be an annoying disruption during an otherwise good night’s sleep.

Is It snoring or sleep apnea? Both snoring and sleep apnea result from obstructions in your airway as you breathe during sleep. Soft tissues relax in the throat area, partially blocking the airway, and vibrate with the passage of air. This vibration causes that distinctive snoring sound. But sleep apnea is more than just noise caused by vibrating tissue.

What are some of the consequences of sleep apnea? You’re probably well aware of the nighttime miseries of sleep apnea. But this condition can also impair your health and quality of life during the day. Sleep apnea sufferers often experience:

  • Constant drowsiness
  • Falling asleep at work or while driving
  • Morning headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Dry mouth (which can lead to gum and dental problems)
  • Memory and attention problems
  • Moodiness or depression
  • Decreased libido

As if these reasons weren’t cause enough to find a solution to your sleeping disorder, the longer term results of sleep apnea can be devastating. Many serious conditions and consequences have been linked to sleep apnea, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Dangerous reactions to medication
  • Problems with general anesthesia
  • A higher risk of accidents

What treatments are available? Many treatments, ranging from behavior modification to surgery, have proven successful in providing patients with a better night’s sleep.

  • Behavior Modification: Losing weight, abstaining from alcohol, even changing your sleep position can be effective in mild cases.
  • Oral Appliances: These specially fitted devices, which resemble mouthguards, can advance the jaw or hold the tongue forward to maximize airway space as you sleep.
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): For those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP machines, which provide pressurized air through a tube attached to a mask, deliver a gentle flow of air to keep airways open.

Now that you’re up on the basics of Sleep Apnea 101, if you suspect that you might be suffering from sleep apnea, make an appointment with our office today. It’s time to graduate to a restful, healthy night’s sleep!

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