If a spouse or other loved one has been kept awake at night by snoring, it may be time to see whether sleep apnea is a problem. While many people do not think of snoring as a medical issue, it can signify sleep apnea or a partially obstructed airway. Even a minor airway obstruction can reduce the amount of oxygen one gets. increase the work the body has to do to breathe. Additionally, snoring is frequently a sign of a more severe condition: sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops during sleep. While the periods when not breathing are generally short, they can cause serious health issues. When asleep and not breathing, the body will suddenly recognize the lack of oxygen and force one to wake up. This process can happen just a few or even hundreds of times throughout the night. However, even if one wakes up many times throughout the night, one may not even recognize it. Sleep apnea is often initially noticed by other people, such as a sleeping partner or other members of the household.
Many patients who have sleep apnea complain about feeling tired throughout the day, even though they believe they got a whole night of sleep before. However, sleep apnea can be a potentially life-threatening condition because it raises the risk of a stroke or heart failure due to the stress it places on the body.
As previously noted, sleep apnea is usually first noticed by a spouse or sleeping partner. Sometimes it can be in the form of snoring, jerking during the night, or irregular breathing patterns. If any of these symptoms are noticed, contact our office today. If a doctor or dentist suspects that a patient may have sleep apnea, they can order a sleep test to investigate further.
A sleep test usually only requires a small machine that attaches to your finger while the patient sleeps. The results are then interpreted by a medical professional. If they are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are various treatment options. However, patients frequently overlook one of the simplest and most effective treatments on the market.
Oral appliances are custom-made to fit the mouth and correct the underlying issue of sleep apnea. Because the appliance is fitted to each mouth, it is comfortable, does not slip, and helps one get a good night's sleep.
Oral appliances help with sleep apnea by improving the position of the jaw and mouth while sleeping. Sometimes, sleep apnea can be caused when the structures of the mouth relax while sleeping. Instead, holding the mouth in the proper position with an appliance can still allow one to relax entirely while also preventing anything from blocking the airway, so that continuous breathing throughout the night is achievable. Oral appliances can also help to eliminate snoring or irregular breathing, so they may help others in the same household get a better night’s rest.
Have you been struggling with sleep apnea? The Kevin J Daily DDS team is here to help you achieve better quality sleep. Call our Santa Cruz office to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.
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