Sleep Apnea Therapy
Sleep Soundly Without Snoring
A good night’s sleep is the key to maintaining your health in every part of your life. Without adequate sleep, it’s hard to concentrate, you’re at a greater risk for car or workplace accidents, and you are more likely to struggle with health concerns. For patients suffering from sleep apnea, eight hours of sleep may feel like just a few moments. This serious sleep disorder adversely affects many aspects of patients’ lives, and it can even lead to death when left untreated. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea or you’re concerned you may have this sleep disorder, a trip to the dentist may not be your first thought. However, Jacksonville dentist, Sol G. Brotman, DDS, MAGD, offers oral appliance therapy to help sleep apnea sufferers improve their quantity and quality of sleep. If you’re concerned you may be suffering from sleep apnea, give our team a call to schedule a sleep apnea consultation with us today to learn more about sleep apnea therapy in San Marco, Jacksonville, FL.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that occurs when patients cease breathing for ten or more seconds at a time during sleep. Most people experience some apnea events, but patients who suffer from sleep apnea can experience 100s of these breathing cessations each night. There are two forms of sleep apnea – central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea is less common, and it occurs when the brain fails to trigger the body to inhale. This form of apnea may require more advanced treatment in connection with a skilled physician and sleep doctor. Our team can provide treatment for the more common obstructive sleep apnea. This type of sleep apnea occurs when the airway is physically blocked during sleep.
Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea, but there are numerous risk factors that increase patients’ chances for sleep apnea, including:
- BMI greater than 35 kg/m2
- Neck circumference greater than 16 inches
- Over the age of 50
- Men
How do I Know I Have Sleep Apnea?
There are many warning signs that can be indicative of sleep apnea, but they don’t always seem to have much in common. For that reason, it’s important for patients to know what the warning signs are, so they can let our team know. Some of the most common warning signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking gasping or wheezing
- Waking with sore throat or hoarse voice
- Waking feeling tired even after eight or more hours of sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Changes in mood or behavior
What Treatments are Available for Sleep Apnea?
There are two main treatments for obstructive sleep apnea – continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliance therapy. CPAP has been relied on for years, but unfortunately, many patients find themselves unable to adjust to treatment using CPAP. Oral appliances offer a comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP for many patients. Oral appliances shift the jaw forward, placing pressure on the throat to keep the airway clear through the night.