Sleep Apnea: How and When to get Treated

It’s estimated that as many as 15 million people suffer from sleep apnea, it is more prevalent in men than women. If you snore, already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, use a CPAP machine or suffer from any symptoms of sleep apnea, then you are a good candidate for treatment.

Some symptoms of sleep apnea include: depression, dry mouth, falling asleep while driving or working, gasping or choking during sleep, general tiredness during the day, irritability or anxiety, restless sleep, and snoring with pauses in breathing. If someone suspects they may have sleep apnea, a sleep study (polysomnogram) should be done. This study will accurately measure what happens during sleep and how severe the problem is.

If left untreated, disturbed and interrupted sleep can cause a wide variety of problems, ranging from minor to very serious. Lack of sleep makes one drowsy during the day. Sleep apnea sufferers also complain of fatigue most often. But, that is just the beginning. Sleep apnea can be linked to the following health risks: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, inability to lose weight, stroke, poor quality of life, and slowed metabolism or weight gain. All of which should be taken very seriously.

One way to treat sleep apnea is through oral sleep appliances and therapy. These have proven to be a viable alternative to CPAP. Research has shown that the tongue is really one of the major factors contributing the blockage of the throat and airway. By using an oral appliance and gradually repositioning the lower jaw forward, the tongue also moves forward opening the airway and creating better muscle tone in the oral pharyngeal area.

Some of the benefits of an oral appliance over the CPAP are: no uncomfortable masks or hoses, does not promote claustrophobia like the CPAP can, tolerated much better than CPAP, no mask impression left on the face, far more convenient for travel, airports, and much more.

If you or a loved one has any symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to address and receive treatment. It will better the quality of your sleep, and your life.

Read more on Sleep Apnea Dentist in NJ and Sleep Apnea Treatments