Sleep Apnea is Underdiagnosed
A commonly underdiagnosed disorder is sleep apnea, a condition that causes cessations of breathing while asleep, which prevents oxygen from getting to the brain—and commonly causes snoring. Most people do not know they suffer from this condition because they are asleep, but being aware of the symptoms is the first step towards seeking treatment. We offer effective solutions to sleep apnea through sleep appliances and the CPAP device.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Exhaustion during the day
- Insomnia or constant awakenings
- Constant snoring
- Depression or forgetfulness
- Morning dry mouth
- Constant headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
A person suffering from sleep apnea may stop breathing up to hundreds of times a night, preventing the brain from getting enough oxygen and causing a restless night. The most common form of this disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is caused when the airway becomes blocked by the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapsing during sleep. There are multiple ways we can help treat OSA.
Dental Appliance
We can custom fit you for a device that is worn while you sleep to prevent the soft tissue from blocking the airway. It works by slightly pulling your lower jaw forward, which opens up the airway.
CPAP Machine
The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a mask that is worn over your nose while you sleep. It pushes a continuous stream of air into your airway to keep it open and make breathing more regular.
Surgery
Some people may have enlarged tonsils or a narrow throat, which requires surgery to correct. Certain procedures can remove excess tissue or widen the airway to allow for more oxygen to enter.
Professional Treatment Available
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or a bed partner has said you snore loudly and frequently, you should seek professional treatment as soon as possible. Sleep apnea can lead to serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and more. Our doctors have years of experience and Dr. Ty James is exceptionally capable of treating sleep apnea as he has ranked in the top ten on national boards for advanced understanding of medicine, microbiology and physiology.