Do you have sleep apnea? The disorder could lead to exhaustion and even impact your daily life and quality of life. But how do you recognize this and when should you see our team? In today’s blog, Dr. James Stewart, DDS, PC, talks about what causes sleep apnea and when to seek treatment!
The Factors Behind Sleep Apnea
What causes sleep apnea? Factors behind the disorder can vary widely. For some, this is due to issues with the growth of the jaw and certain oral structures, which makes episodes more likely while you rest. For others, a large neck circumference or obesity could be a factor. Still others may suffer due to sleeping habits, such as resting on their back and the environment in their bedroom, as optimal sleep requires a cool, dark room. As part of your treatment, we will conduct a detailed examination to assess the cause of your sleep disorder, and offer care that helps you rest easier!
Your Apneic Episodes
What happens during your apneic episodes? This means that while you sleep, soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat become too relaxed and then collapse, which cuts off airflow. You stop breathing briefly until the brain registers the sudden drop in oxygen and wakes you up. While you may not remember this happening, it can occur hundreds of times every night! To avoid long-term complications, you need help, and we can provide this with everything from custom oral appliances to advanced laser treatment!
Warning Signs and Complications
What warning signs should you watch for? People with sleep apnea may struggle with nightly snoring, and waking up gasping for air or choking. You could wake up feeling rested and struggle with this throughout the day. You may be irritable and have difficulty concentrating on tasks at work or school. This could even impact your memory!
Without treatment, the disorder could strain your immune system and increase the risk of frequent illness. In addition, the stress on your heart health could increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke or heart attack! Which is why seeking treatment is so valuable, and we can offer this with comfortable and effective alternatives to traditional CPAP machines.
If you have any questions about how we help you rest easy again with sleep apnea appliances and laser treatments, or to schedule a diagnosis with our simple sleep assessment and at-home sleep tests, then contact our team today.
Dr. James R. Stewart, D.D.S., P.C. Helps You Sleep Better
Our team wants to help protect your overall oral health and quality of life with sleep treatment. To find out more about recognizing and treating this disorder, call Dr. Stewart, D.D.S., P.C. in Livonia, MI at 734-425-4400.
