What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is caused when the tissues in your throat collapse during the night, blocking your airway and preventing you from breathing normally. Sleep Apnea can wake you up throughout the night, which prevents you from entering the REM stage of sleep. Because Sleep Apnea affects the deepest, most crucial stage of the sleep cycle, it can leave you feeling tired the next day, and prevent you from functioning at your maximum potential.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Waking up with a choking sensation or gasping for air
- Insomnia or waking constantly throughout the night
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Loud snoring
- Irritability and sudden mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning Headaches
- Waking up with dry mouth or sore throat
- Impotence
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
To accurately diagnose sleep apnea, patients may be referred to a sleep specialist for a medical assessment. It is also important to consult with your dentist, who may perform an intraoral exam, which involves specialized X-rays, intraoral photos, gag reflex checks, orthopedic exams, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. These tests will help us determine the most effective position for your lower jaw to open your airway.
If you cannot tolerate CPAP, we have had success treating sleep apnea with a nighttime orthotic appliance that is thinner, lighter, and more comfortable than a bulky CPAP mask. This appliance will be customized especially for you. Depending on the severity of your condition, other repositioning devices may be considered.
Long-Term Effects of Sleep Apnea
When left untreated, Sleep Apnea can lead to major health risks such as:
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's
- Stroke