Sleep apnea, a common condition affecting millions worldwide, can significantly diminish your quality of life. Often associated with factors like excess weight, obesity, or respiratory issues, sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax, leading to an airway blockage. This results in disruptive snoring and frequent interruptions in breathing at night, causing you to wake up repeatedly to catch your breath. The consequences may extend beyond your struggles, impacting your professional life and relationships due to excessive daytime sleepiness and disruptive nighttime snoring.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is identified as intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when your muscles are relaxed during sleep and gravity closes your airway. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as hypertension, memory loss, mood alterations, weight gain, and persistent fatigue.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Patients with sleep apnea often experience symptoms like:
- Heavy Snoring
- Loss of Breath While Sleeping
- Fatigue
- Lack of Energy
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Dry Throat
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
The Effects of Sleep Apnea
As per the American Sleep Apnea Association, approximately 22 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from sleep apnea. If left unaddressed, sleep apnea may increases the risk of additional health concerns, including:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Elevated Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Depression
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Worsening ADHD
What Treatments Are Available For Sleep Apnea?
Upon suspicion of sleep apnea, our dentists will collaborate with sleep specialists to devise an appropriate treatment plan. An essential intervention involves the creation of custom oral devices tailored to individual needs. Impressions of the mouth and teeth are used to craft these devices, ensuring a comfortable fit and optimal effectiveness. Patients wear these devices nightly to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, with replacements provided as needed.
As an alternative to the CPAP, our Spokane Valley dental team offers custom night guards as a less invasive alternative for managing sleep apnea. These personalized guards provide enhanced comfort for individuals grappling with sleep apnea and its associated symptoms.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Screening with Smile Source Spokane Valley Today!
Don't let sleep apnea compromise your well-being or hinder your daily life. Contact Smile Source Spokane Valley today to schedule a comprehensive sleep apnea screening and reclaim the restful, rejuvenating sleep you need!
