Sleep apnea can be a debilitating condition as it can cause breathing problems while you sleep. It is also linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks or stroke. The condition is most common amongst obese people, smokers, and those who suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes. Your Sunnyvale sleep dentistry professional applies therapeutic techniques to treat sleep apnea and improve your quality of life. Here is everything you need to know about getting the proper treatment for sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that leads to breathing interruptions during sleep. It can result in loud and irregular noises, which are different from regular snoring.
Sleep apnea disturbs sleep, and you may feel tired in the morning when you wake up. Also, it can affect your relationship with your partner due to disruptions.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
Typical symptoms of sleep apnea that you may experience include repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The respiratory arrests last between 10 seconds and 120 minutes and may occur more than five times an hour. This is followed by phases of excessive breathing as well as loud and irregular snoring. In addition, your partner may notice pauses in your breathing at night which you may not be aware of.
Consequences of sleep apnea
Other than sleep disturbance to you and your partner, you may experience tiredness during the day. Also, you have temporary memory loss and trouble concentrating, increasing the risk of road accidents. Some people may also have depression or anxiety and headaches in the morning.
Sleep apnea in children
Sleep Apnea also affects children and can lead to infant death syndrome in newborn babies. Older kids can appear sluggish, which can affect their performance in school.
Treatment with CPAP therapy
Your doctor will recommend CPAP therapy to treat sleep apnea. The procedure involves keeping your airways open during sleep by supplying pressure through a therapy device. Even though you may feel strange at first, you will soon get used to the procedure within a few days.
It is worth it since treating your sleep apnea usually positively affects your mood and energy reserves during the day.
If you find the CPAP therapy challenging to cope with, you can discuss it with your doctor, who may recommend a snoring device to help you sleep comfortably.
Treatment with Sleep Apnea mouthpiece
Treatment with a sleep apnea mouthpiece may be recommended by your doctor if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea or if you find CPAP therapy challenging. This oral device, also known as a mandibular advancement device, fits into your mouth and helps keep your airways open during sleep by moving your lower jaw forward.
While using a sleep apnea mouthpiece, you may experience mild discomfort, soreness, or jaw pain, which should go away in a few weeks. You may also need to make a few adjustments before finding the right fit for your mouth.
Regardless of the sleep apnea treatment option, the most important thing is to adhere to the doctor’s instructions and use the devices as directed.
Benefits of sleep apnea treatment
There are many benefits to effectively treating sleep apnea. For instance, it can alleviate common symptoms and help increase body and mind’s energy, productivity, and well-being. Also, failure to seek treatment can lead to further serious health complications.
With the correct diagnosis for sleep apnea, you can receive adequate treatment that will result in better health and more energy. If you think you have sleep apnea, talk to the Perio & Implant Centers of Monterey Bay – Silicon Valley professionals who will conduct tests and recommend the appropriate treatment.
