SLEEP APNEA

Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain -- and the rest of the body -- may not get enough oxygen. There are two types of sleep apnea:
● Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The more common of the two forms of apnea, it is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
● Central Sleep Apnea: Unlike OSA, the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe, due to instability in the respiratory control center.
Common sleep apnea symptoms include:
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● Waking up with a very sore or dry throat
● Loud snoring
● Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
● Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
● Sleepiness while driving
● Morning headaches
● Restless sleep
● Forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex
● Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause life threatening health problems, including:
heart attack
diabetes
stroke
other medical issues
heart disease
high blood pressure

Treating Sleep Apnea at Home
You may be able to treat mild cases of Sleep Apnea by changing your behavior, for example:
● Losing weight
● Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.
● Changing sleep positions to improve breathing.
● Stopping smoking. Smoking can increase the swelling in the upper airway, which may worsen both snoring and apnea.
● Avoiding sleeping on your back.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea can be treated in various ways. Treatment often depends on the diagnosis and the amount/level of upper airway narrowing.
Three common treatment methods for snoring and OSA include:
CPAP machine (Continous Positive Airway Pressure)
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD)
The CPAP Machine
One treatment option is the CPAP device. Several patients respond very well with CPAP treatment, whereas other patients do not like the CPAP device because it makes them feel uncomfortable. It can also be inconvenient and cumbersome, especially when traveling. The CPAP works by opening up the person’s airway using a small amount of positive pressure. A nasal mask is used while sleeping.
Oral Appliances to Treat OSA and Snoring
Other treatment options for OSA include the MAD device and the TRD device. MAD devices, also called oral appliances or dental sleep devices, are commonly used to treat snoring and OSA. The MAD device moves the lower jaw (mandible) forward in order to open the airway.
The TRD device works similarly to the MAD. The tongue is controlled by the TRD device in order to hold it in a forward position. The TRD does not use the lower jaw, but focuses solely on the tongue’s position.
Call today at 8032283344 to get relief from Snoring/Sleep Apnea