If you suffer from sleep apnea, as up to 12 million people in the United States do, then you may have trouble sleeping. As a result, you can feel exhausted and develop a number of serious complications. How does sleep apnea impact people? What can you do to recognize and stop it?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Impact of Sleep Apnea
Question: How does OSA develop?
Answer: Sleep apnea occurs when a patient’s soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse, blocking airflow. The patient is then woken by the brain, often hundreds of times per night, to start breathing. Factors behind this disorder can include age, weight, neck circumference, sleeping habits, excessive alcohol consumption, and congestion.
Question: What issues can OSA cause?
Answer: Without treatment, patients may suffer from chronic snoring, dry mouth when waking up, and episodes of waking up suddenly gasping for air or choking. Moodiness and difficulty concentrating or staying awake are also related to untreated OSA. If one or more of these potential symptoms seems familiar, then please contact our office to discuss a diagnosis and possible treatment options.
Question: What are the serious complications of this sleep disorder?
Answer: Over time, lack of treatment can mean a greater risk of depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. As you can see, treating the issue in a timely manner is very important to our overall health and quality of life.
Question: What treatment options do you offer?
Answer: We can recommend an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. We can also make suggestions for changing how you sleep, as often lifestyle changes can help improve your ability to sleep. If you have any questions or concerns about addressing OSA, then contact our office today.
Do You Need Treatment?
At James Stewart, DDS, our team can help you avoid the complications of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Stewart and our compassionate staff serve patients of all ages from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.
