Sleep apnea is no fun—for you or for your partner. But, if left untreated, sleep apnea can be more than just a nuisance. In this blog post, we will look at the dangers of sleep apnea, and what you can do to treat it.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes those affected to have interrupted breathing patterns while asleep, including stopping breathing for periods of time. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (the most common), central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Why Is Sleep Apnea So Dangerous?
Sleep apnea is dangerous because it comes with the potential to cause a slew of serious side effects. Especially if left untreated, sleep apnea sufferers are at an elevated risk for excessive fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, liver problems and Type 2 diabetes. Not to mention the havoc that night after night of poor sleep wreaks on your mental health.
How Is This Condition Treated?
If you are showing signs of sleep apnea, it is important that you talk to your doctor or dentist as soon as you can. Signs that you might have it include loud snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, dry mouth in the morning, and excessive fatigue and distraction. Some of these symptoms may be more apparent to your partner than they are to you, so be sure to take their observations seriously. Treatment will be tailored to your specific case. Sleep apnea is commonly treated using a CPAP machine or another oral appliance. However, some more minor instances of sleep apnea need only lifestyle changes. These can include changing your diet, losing weight, or putting down the cigarettes.
Treating Sleep Apnea At Elevate Smile Design
Dr. Perlman has received special training in sleep therapy. Our team is well acquainted with the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. We will design a special device for you to wear at night. It repositions your mouth and prevents the tissues at the back of your throat so that they no longer block your air flow. This offers our patients a more comfortable and quiet treatment than use of a CPAP machine. We can get you on the right track to getting it under control before you find yourself facing serious complications.
Give us a call or visit our website to request a visit to discuss your symptoms!
Contact Us