Have you been told that you snore while you sleep at night? If so, it could be a warning sign that you have sleep apnea in Bartlesville. A condition that affects over 22 million Americans, it can cause serious health problems. Sadly, though, 80% of the people with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. Find out what the dangers of not treating the condition are as you read on.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea refers to the frequent lapses in breathing throughout the sleep cycle that can cause you to awaken several times. The main reasons for these breaks in breathing are either increased neck girth from weight gain or the tongue falling to the back of the mouth, both of which can partially block the airway.
When either of the above scenarios happens, it is classified as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is the most common form of sleep apnea.
The Symptoms of OSA
It’s important to take action if you notice any of the following symptoms of OSA:
- Memory loss
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat in the morning
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Daytime fatigue even after getting a full night of sleep
When there is an inability to sleep properly, the risk of other health issues can rise. Thus, it’s important to seek the proper treatment for OSA.
Why OSA Shouldn’t be Ignored
The human body relies on getting adequate sleep to maintain the delicate balance needed for excellent health. When your rest is compromised, then, you can expect greater susceptibility to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, obesity and other serious problems that can eventually threaten your life.
Available Treatment Options
The most common form of treatment for OSA is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which consists of a mask that attaches to a base unit via a tube. Its purpose is to force air into the throat at night. While it is effective, many patients don’t prefer this form of treatment, considering it to be uncomfortable and loud.
An alternative is an oral appliance, which is custom-designed to comfortably fit in your mouth. By repositioning your jaw, it helps to keep your airway open to allow for continued breathing and uninterrupted sleep.
If you suspect you have OSA, the first step is to contact your physician to be examined and to undergo a sleep test. If the results show that you have OSA, then your dentist in Bartlesville can provide the treatment you need to overcome the condition so you can get the rest your body needs.
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He has since gone on to offer comprehensive and compassionate care. To help him treat OSA in the most efficient manner possible, Dr. Lumpkin maintains membership in the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry. He uses his years of experience and advanced training to provide the best in sleep dentistry at Dentistry by Design, and he can be reached for more information through his website.