What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by the closing of the airway during sleep. This airway blockage causes the sleeper to snore loudly and eventually struggle to breathe. Many times, a person with sleep apnea will stop breathing altogether before violently waking to gasp for air.
Besides being dangerous to the sleeper, sleep apnea can be disruptive to bed partners and interfere with the sleep schedules of anyone near the bedroom. So if you’re a frequent snorer, it may be something worth looking into.
Some Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you or a loved one is struggling with the following symptoms, you may be suffering from sleep apnea or a similar sleep disorder:
- Constant snoring.
- Waking up often during the night.
- Tiredness during the day.
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat.
- Morning headaches.
- Sleepiness while driving.
- Waking up during the night gasping or choking.
An irregular sleep schedule alone can wreak havoc on your daily life and general health. Come into our office if you suspect you have a sleep disorder and we’ll be sure to diagnose and treat you so you can get back to living your healthiest lifestyle.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Many sleep apnea treatments exist. At Scott R. Adishian, D.D.S. Inc., we prescribe oral appliances to help with sleep apnea. These appliances keep the airway open to allow steady breathing and consistent sleep. If given an oral appliance, you’ll wear it at night while you sleep. It will hold your lower jaw forward and prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep Again!
We at Scott R. Adishian, D.D.S. Inc. care about our patients’ general wellbeing. If you find yourself snoring and waking in the night or tired during the day, come into our office and we’ll see if sleep apnea treatment is the right option for you. And as always, to ask a question or schedule an appointment, give our office a call!