Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to significant health consequences. We offer effective treatment for many cases of sleep apnea to help improve your health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Kennesaw, GA
Sleep apnea is defined as a condition that causes you to experience frequent and recurring shortness of breath while sleeping. It can be caused by the individual’s throat becoming overly relaxed while sleeping, which blocks the airways and prevents normal breathing. This is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea.
Signs of sleep apnea include poor sleeping habits, frequent sore throats, recurring headaches, and a general inability to get a restful night’s sleep. It’s important to note the difference between sleep apnea and snoring. Snoring is caused by tissue vibration in the mouth and nose. While it is a major symptom of sleep apnea, snoring alone is not enough to diagnose sleep apnea.
We’re concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Many people suffer needlessly from dangerous sleep disruptive disorders that keep them from getting enough oxygen at night. The risk of a heart attack is 23 times more likely than average with a sleep disorder, and 92% of stroke victims live unknowingly with this condition before an attack. Our training allows us to offer you education and treatment surrounding sleep health in the simplest and most cost-effective way possible.
-
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly starts and stops. The lapses in breathing result in lower-quality sleep and affect the body’s oxygen supply, which can result in serious health consequences. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by a person’s throat becoming overly relaxed while sleeping, blocking the airways and preventing normal breathing.
- Central sleep apnea: This rare form of sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the breathing muscles, resulting in a short period of time without breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this occurs when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
This condition is often associated with loud, intense snoring, but just because a person snores doesn’t mean they have sleep apnea. It can be caused by being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug use, which can cause the airways to become more relaxed and cause blockages. It can also be caused by genetics. People with a family history of sleep apnea are more likely to suffer from the condition. According to the Sleep Foundation, “Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States. It can affect children and adults and people of both sexes, although it is more common in men.”
-
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed using a polysomnogram, also known as a sleep study. This can be done at home or a sleep disorder center. The test records activities while you sleep, including brain activity, breathing, and oxygen levels. It also measures how long you spend in each sleep stage, how frequently you wake up, if you stop breathing, if you snore, and your body position.
After the sleep study, a specialist reviews your test’s data. They analyze your brain activity and body system functioning to diagnose if a sleep disorder is present and recommend treatment.
If recommended, a dentist trained in sleep medicine works with the specialist to treat obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Our office can provide you with an oral appliance for sleep apnea. Contact us for a consultation.
-
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary depending on the severity and type (obstructive, central, or complex), but common symptoms include:
- Loud Snoring
- Episodes of Breathing Cessation
- Gasping for Air During Sleep
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (Hypersomnia)
- Morning Headaches
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Mood Changes
- Dry Mouth or Sore Throat Upon Waking
- Insomnia
- High Blood Pressure
- Night Sweats
- Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)
If someone suspects they have sleep apnea, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, as untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications.
More Questions?
If you think that you may have sleep apnea, don’t wait. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will be able to enjoy a night of restful, uninterrupted sleep. Contact the team at Hildreth Dental for a sleep apnea consultation.
