04
Dec
Sleep Apnea: How Is It Treated?
Unexplained daytime drowsiness, loud snoring at night, or waking up gasping for breath are all signs of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, which affects over 12 million people in the U.S. alone. Sleep apnea can rob you of the quality rest you need to live a healthy, happy life. At Libertyville Dental Associates in Libertyville, Illinois, Dr. Sam Weisz and our team offer oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea treatment. Here are some important facts you should know about sleep apnea causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which you stop breathing temporarily while you sleep, causing you to wake up periodically gasping for breath. You may go back to sleep immediately, only to repeat this procedure dozens of times throughout the night. Lack of quality sleep at night can lead to extreme drowsiness during the day.
What causes sleep apnea?
There are basically three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and a mix of the two. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your air passages get blocked by soft tissues in your throat or mouth, making it difficult to breathe. Age, smoking, and excessive weight gain can aggravate this condition. With central sleep apnea (CSA), the brain fails to send the signal to the muscles that control your breathing while you sleep, causing a disruption in your breathing. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Weisz and our team can determine if you suffer from sleep apnea so we can recommend treatment.
What are the signs of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping soundly during the night
- Nighttime snoring
- Waking up breathless during the night
- Snorting or choking as you sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
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Is sleep apnea serious?
Severe sleep apnea can pose a threat to your overall health, leading to heart problems, high blood pressure, fatigue, stroke, and other health issues. It can also disrupt your lifestyle by making it difficult to concentrate on daily tasks. Your home life, job, and academic studies may suffer as a result of not getting the sleep you need to lead a healthy, productive life.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Oral appliance therapy and CPAP machines are two options for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Of the two, oral appliances are less intrusive, making them the preferred choice of most patients. Oral appliances are custom-fitted mouth guards that help reposition your jaw while you sleep to keep soft tissues from obstructing your airways. Dr. Weisz and the team can personalize your mouthguards for comfort and optimal performance. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help you breathe easier and more freely, which helps prevent snoring. Most importantly, you’ll be able to get quality sleep that leaves you refreshed and energized the next day.
Who offers sleep apnea treatment near me?
To schedule a consultation for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment in Libertyville, IL, contact Dr. Sam Weisz and the team from Libertyville Dental Associates at (847) 349-4306.