Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes you to stop breathing temporarily while you are asleep. There are different types of this condition, but the most common form is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, and it is caused when your airway is blocked, usually by collapsed soft tissue in the back of the throat. While it might seem like only a nuisance, it is a serious condition that can cause a number of health risks.
Some of the most common health risks associated with sleep apnea are heart failure and heart attacks, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, increased risk of stroke, and headaches. Additionally, it causes a lack of rest, and low-quality sleep when you do get some shut-eye, leading to difficulties performing regular, everyday activities like work, school, and hobbies.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea are insomnia, waking up continually during the night, snoring loudly, experiencing mood swings, having low energy levels during the day, headaches, waking up with a sore or dry throat, forgetfulness and restlessness at night. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit Sherman Oaks Dental for treatment.
Treatment
To diagnose sleep apnea, Dr. Bryan Weyneth, an expert in Naperville, may conduct a polysomnogram, more commonly called a sleep study, to determine if you have sleep apnea or another sleeping disorder. Once it has been determined that you have sleep apnea, there are several treatment options. In mild cases, it can be improved by making behavioral changes, such as changing sleeping positions to avoid sleeping on your back; losing weight; and breaking habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking sleeping pills. For more severe cases, you may have to rest with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, commonly called CPAP, to help keep your airway open while sleeping. Dr. Weyneth can also provide a special mouthpiece designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to keep airways clear.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of treatments for curing your sleep apnea. In order to decide on the best decision for you and your condition, it is best to visit Dr. Weyneth at Sherman Oaks Dental. He is an extremely experienced dentist in Naperville, and He is anxious to help treat your sleeping disorders and get back to sweet dreams.