Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea affects many individuals and one of the hallmarks can be snoring. It is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time while you are sleeping. This can happen many times throughout the night, and it can make it difficult for you to get a good night’s rest. Sleep apnea can also lead to other health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, so it’s important to schedule a visit or give us a call to learn more.
Other symptoms include:
- Waking up feeling short of breath
- Waking up with a headache or sore throat
- Feeling tired during the day
- Having trouble concentrating during the day
- Feeling irritable or cranky
- Having mood swings
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
If you think you might have sleep apnea, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samuelson. During your consultation, he will ask about your medical history and symptoms. He may also recommend a sleep study, which is a way to monitor your sleep patterns so that we can better understand your condition and develop a treatment plan.
Based on the results of your sleep study, we may recommend a sleep apnea mouth appliance, which is a device that you wear while you sleep to keep your airway open so that you can breathe properly throughout the night.
Sleep apnea appliances are the first line of defense in managing sleep apnea, as they are less intrusive than alternatives such as a CPAP machine. These devices are preferred by many patients due to their convenience and small size.
If you are struggling with sleep apnea, we encourage you to seek help sooner rather than later. We understand how difficult it can be to find relief and look forward to partnering with you for better health.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that repeatedly interrupts your breathing while you sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 or more times an hour. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax, causing the airway to narrow or close as you breathe in. This leads to lower blood oxygen levels, prompting your brain to awaken you from sleep so that you can reopen your airway. This constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle can severely impact your sleep quality, leading to fatigue, decreased productivity, and even serious health complications if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep (insomnia), excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), attention problems, and irritability.
How can Black Hills Area Dental help with my sleep apnea?
At Black Hills Area Dental, Dr. Bart Samuelson and his team are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for patients suffering from sleep apnea. Using the latest diagnostic tools, we can accurately identify the severity of your sleep apnea and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
One of the most effective treatments we offer is the use of oral appliance therapy. This involves custom-fitted dental devices that help keep the airway open during sleep, similar to a mouthguard. These devices are comfortable, portable, and easy to care for, making them a popular choice among patients.
What are the benefits of treating sleep apnea?
Treating sleep apnea can dramatically improve your quality of life. Not only can it alleviate symptoms like loud snoring and excessive daytime fatigue, but it can also help reduce your risk of serious health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Plus, with a good night’s sleep, you’ll feel more energized, alert, and ready to take on the day.
Remember, sleep apnea is more than just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious health issue that requires professional attention. If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Bart Samuelson and the team at Black Hills Area Dental. We’re here to help you get the restful sleep you deserve.