Sleep apnea comes from the Greek word “apnoia,” meaning “without breath.” It refers to a cycle of starting and stopping breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea can be central, obstructive, or a mixture of both.
OSA is the most common. It happens when the throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway when sleeping. The stoppage in breathing happens for a scary 10 seconds or more! When the brain senses oxygen deprivation, it briefly awakens the body to restore breathing. As you drift again to sleep, another apneic episode strikes before you reach your deep, restorative sleep. These fragmented sleep patterns cause chronic fatigue despite a full night’s sleep.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
Although only a trained doctor can diagnose you with sleep apnea, watch out for the following warning signs.
- Morning headaches
- Irritability or mood changes
- Fragmented sleep/frequent awakenings at night
- Loud and chronic snoring
- Low sex drive
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Choking or gasping for air when sleeping
- Clouded memory
What happens if my OSA goes untreated?
OSA is a severe sleep disorder. If left untreated, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic complications. OSA also causes diminished concertation at work and on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation, symptom review, and specialized tests. The doctor discusses symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches. We’ll also check for risk factors such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, or anatomical abnormalities in the throat and nasal passages. The definitive diagnosis for sleep apnea is through a sleep exam at home or a sleep center. The exam monitors brain activity, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and limb movements to identify apnea episodes.
How do we treat sleep apnea?
Many medical practitioners treat sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, which uses a mask to deliver a constant stream of air past the airway. CPAPs work, but many patients drop their treatment because of noise, discomfort, and irritability.
We offer oral appliance therapy (OAT) for anyone who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. OAT uses a custom-designed oral device to reposition the tongue and lower jaw to keep the airway open. An oral splint for sleep apnea is effective for mild to moderate OSA. When used as directed, it won’t take long before you start enjoying good sleep and a better quality of life.
Many patients love OAT because it offers several benefits, including:
- Portability
- It’s comfortable
- Easy to use
- It’s noiseless
- Simple maintenance
- It doesn’t need electricity to work
Is there sleep apnea treatment near me?
Sleep apnea can diminish your sleep, health, and quality of life. Don’t let sleep apnea take control of your life. Call (703) 952-0663 and reserve a consultation with Avanti Dentistry.
