Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea commonly presents as an ongoing and disruptive sleep disorder. When breathing pauses or becomes shallow, the transition from deep to light sleep occurs frequently. This results in an increased duration of light sleep at the expense of essential deep sleep, where bodily restoration takes place. For those experiencing sleep apnea, obtaining sufficient deep sleep becomes challenging. To assess your condition, consider opting for a home sleep test. Sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder, involves recurrent interruptions in breathing during sleep. While you might not recall these interruptions, they can disturb your sleep pattern. Two primary types of sleep apnea exist: central and obstructive. Obstructive sleep apnea stems from intermittent relaxation of throat muscles, causing airway blockages during sleep.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is distinguished from other types of sleep apnea by the frequent episodes of complete or partial blockage of airflow despite efforts to breathe. OSA occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. This impairs your ability to breathe, causing pauses in your breathing (apneas). These apneas can range in duration from a few seconds to minutes and can happen hundreds of times per night.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, you may not snore all the time, but snoring is the most common symptom of OSA. You may also:
- Gasp or choke during sleep
- Wake up with a headache or a dry mouth
- Wake up with a sore throat
- Feel very tired during the day
- Have trouble concentrating
- Fall asleep during the day
- Have mood swings or be more irritable
- Have trouble with memory
- Have trouble with sexual function
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from the relaxation and collapse of throat muscles during sleep, obstructing the upper airway and causing breathing pauses. Factors contributing to OSA include anatomical traits like narrow airways, excess weight, age, and genetic predisposition. Lifestyle elements such as alcohol use, smoking, and sleeping position also play a role. Medical conditions like GERD and allergies can exacerbate the risk. Addressing these factors through lifestyle changes, weight management, and medical intervention is crucial for mitigating OSA’s impact on sleep quality and overall health. If suspected, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for diagnosis and effective management.
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Diagnosed?
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Diagnosed?
When it comes to diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, two primary types of sleep studies are available: home sleep studies and in-lab sleep studies. Offering affordability and convenience, home sleep studies are as effective as their in-lab counterparts. Throughout a home sleep study, a compact monitoring device tracks your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels as you sleep. Our dedicated in-house sleep physician and dental professionals analyze the collected data and will do a thorough examination to then recommend the optimal treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Discover Relief from Chronic Fatigue: Reach Out About Our Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Oral Appliance for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Experience the Distinct Advantages of the Vivos Dental Device Over CPAP Machines. Unlike CPAP machines, the FDA Cleared Vivos dental device offers a non-invasive solution without masks or tubes, ensuring a comfortable and unobtrusive experience. Custom-fitted for enhanced comfort, it eliminates the bulkiness and discomfort associated with traditional CPAP masks. Enjoy a quieter and more discreet option as the Vivos dental device produces no noise. Its user-friendly design requires no complex settings or adjustments, making it easy to incorporate into your sleep routine, and its portable size ensures convenience while traveling. Users often report fewer side effects compared to CPAP machines. Ask us today if you are a candidate for the Vivos dental device for a comfortable, convenient, and effective alternative to CPAP treatment.
There are many benefits of oral appliance therapy over CPAP, including:
- Oral appliance therapy is less intrusive than CPAP. There are no tubes or machines to set up, and the mouthpiece is small and portable.
- Oral appliance therapy is more comfortable to wear than CPAP. Many people find it difficult to sleep with a CPAP mask on.
- Oral appliance therapy is less likely to cause side effects than CPAP. Side effects of CPAP include nosebleeds, headaches, and dry mouth.
- Oral appliance therapy is less expensive than CPAP.
- Oral appliance therapy is easier to travel with than CPAP machines.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment FAQs
For individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), oral appliance therapy may take precedence as the initial treatment approach. Renowned for its efficacy and convenience, oral appliance therapy stands as a well-received treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, often yielding positive patient experiences.
There are many possible signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Some people may snore loudly or make choking or gasping noises when they sleep. They may also have periods of breathing that stop and start during the night. Other possible obstructive sleep apnea symptoms include daytime sleepiness, irritability, moodiness, poor concentration, and forgetfulness.
There are many risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including being overweight, having a large neck circumference, and having narrow airway passages. Other predisposing factors include smoking, alcohol use, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and acromegaly. Some people are more susceptible to OSA due to genetics, which is more common in men than women.
There are many different physiological effects of obstructive sleep apnea. OSA can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, such as arrhythmias and heart attacks, and strokes. Sleep apnea can also cause problems with memory and concentration and make it more difficult to pay attention. Finally, sleep apnea can cause fatigue and insomnia.
Schedule Your Treatment to Find Relief from Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment is a group of state-of-the-art dental clinics specializing in sleep apnea treatments in Houston. If you have the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, please order a home sleep test that allows us to diagnose the condition without you having to visit a sleep clinic. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, we may recommend custom-fit oral appliances to help you breathe comfortably at night. Please schedule a consultation to explore your sleep apnea treatments in Houston.