Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, the culprit may be a widespread and serious health issue known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. A sleep disorder can make obtaining proper rest difficult and increase the likelihood of developing serious complications. Do you need treatment? What warning signs should you be aware of?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Question: What are risk factors for OSA?
Answer: Common risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, smoking and excessive drinking, narrow airways, congestion, and even your neck circumference.
Question: What are common warning signs?
Answer: Potential symptoms include chronic snoring, feeling exhausted during the day, moodiness, difficulty concentrating at work or school, waking up at night gasping for air or choking, and depression. If you often feel tired despite thinking you slept the night before, consider talking to a doctor and receiving a professional diagnosis.
Question: Should I see a doctor?
Answer: If you think you have symptoms of sleep apnea then yes, see a doctor. If you do have the disorder and it goes untreated then you develop a greater risk of serious complications, which may include high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Even the risk of falling asleep at the wheel increases with sleep deprivation brought on by sleep apnea.
Question: How will the dentist treat my sleep issues?
Answer: There are two common options the doctor may recommend. The first is a CPAP machine, which involves wearing a mask over the nose and face. The mask is connected to a machine that pumps air through the nose and mouth, helping you sleep uninterrupted through the night. The alternative is a sleep appliance. A small device that resembles a nightguard is worn during sleep. The device moves the jaw forward to open airways and prevent the soft tissue collapse that occurs with sleep apnea.
