What Is Sleep Apnea?
Are you frequently waking up feeling exhausted, despite thinking you had a full night’s sleep? You could be one of the millions of people suffering from sleep apnea, a common yet often undiagnosed condition.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain, and the rest of the body, may not get enough oxygen. This condition can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated, from fatigue and headaches to heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms and Signs of Sleep Apnea
Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and experiencing morning headaches. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other symptoms include difficulty staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, attention problems, and irritability. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms regularly.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, is caused by the throat muscles relaxing and blocking, or obstructing, the airway, which leads the sufferer to stop breathing and wake repeatedly throughout the night. Central sleep apnea, where the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing, and complex sleep apnea syndrome, a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Diagnosis of sleep apnea usually involves an overnight sleep study at a sleep center or a take-home sleep test that is monitored by your Denver dentist. Once diagnosed, treatment can involve lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. Oral appliances or sleep devices can help keep your airway open while you sleep by changing the position of your jaw and tongue. Laser therapy, which targets specific areas of the throat and mouth to tighten the collagen and open the airway, may be beneficial for certain patients. In severe cases, surgery may be an option.
Your Path to Better Sleep Starts with Icon Dental
At Icon Dental, our team led by Dr. Nazeli Tarjan, is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral and overall health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, we encourage you to reach out to us at (720) 645-2153. We are conveniently located in Denver, CO, and are eager to help you on your path to better sleep and improved health. Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of your rest and well-being. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
