What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?
Do you or a loved one suffer from morning headaches, constant fatigue, memory problems, or trouble focusing on a task? If so, you may suffer from sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder affecting millions of men and women each year! Afton Dental is pleased to offer trusted sleep apnea solutions to get your sleep and health back on track.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but potentially serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly through the night, as many as 20-30 times an hour. There are different types of sleep apnea. The most common one is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. That causes the soft tissues to collapse and restrict the airway, leading to breathing interruptions, which lower blood oxygen levels. The brain, sensing the lack of oxygen, briefly wakes up the patient to start breathing once again.
The time spent awake is often so brief that a person may not be aware it is happening. Patients with sleep apnea rarely reach the deep, rejuvenating phase of sleep, leaving them feeling tired and drowsy all day.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Telltale signs of sleep apnea often vary but may include the following:
● Loud snoring
● Pauses in breathing during sleep
● Snorting, gasping, or choking
● Waking up repeatedly through the night
● Restless sleep or insomnia
● Morning headaches
● Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
● Memory loss
● Difficulty focusing on a task
● Irritability or mood changes
Not everyone who experiences these symptoms has sleep apnea. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether further testing is recommended.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?
Sleep apnea is a serious threat to your health and safety. Not only does being tired and drowsy increase the likelihood of driving or workplace accidents, but sleep apnea also elevates the risk of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. It can also cause complications with certain medications or general anesthesia and surgery.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated
Traditional treatments for sleep apnea include the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. That involves blowing a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask to keep the airways open. However, patients often find the noise and hoses cumbersome.
At Afton Dental, we offer oral appliance therapy for comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatment. We may recommend a mouthguard-like device to hold your jaw in a forward position to keep your airway open. Another option is a soft tissue repositioning oral appliance, which keeps your tongue in place to maintain an open airway. Dr. Hill will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the best sleep apnea solution to help you enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Near Me
Contact Afton Dental in Concord, NC, to learn more about our sleep apnea treatment options. Dr. Hill and his team look forward to helping you improve your sleep and quality of life. Call us at 704-788-1717 to schedule your appointment today!