Do you snore throughout the night? Have you often woken up after a full night’s sleep feeling as if you still haven’t rested at all? Like most people, you probably think about snoring as merely an annoyance. You’re right; it is unwelcome, often causing a snorer’s bed partner frustration and loss of sleep. But did you know that snoring could signal a serious disorder called sleep apnea? More than just a nuisance, sleep apnea could aggravate many health problems and cause others. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if you are concerned that you might be at risk, consider undergoing a sleep study evaluation. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, conservative treatments are available. Dr. Lipton offers comfortable, effective oral appliances to treat those with sleep apnea at his Highland dental practice.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a sleep-breathing condition that occurs when a patient’s airway is periodically restricted during the night. There are many possible causes for this blockage, including improper jaw position during sleep, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and excessive relaxation of throat muscles. Whatever the cause, the effect is that those with sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 seconds or more at a time. Eventually, the brain will signal a sleeper to awaken, and he or she will do so abruptly, but usually not completely enough to remember the episode by morning. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to daytime drowsiness, short-term memory loss, and even high blood pressure and stroke, among other issues.
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated?
Traditionally, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine would have been prescribed for people diagnosed with sleep apnea. While this device is effective if used properly, its bulk and accompanying facemask can prove too unwieldy or uncomfortable for the average patient. Dr. Lipton can prescribe an alternative treatment, called an oral appliance, which sleep apnea patients wear during sleep. This custom-fabricated appliance will ensure proper jaw and tongue position and keep your airway open throughout the night. If you have sleep apnea, an oral appliance could restore the deep, uninterrupted REM sleep you may have been living without.
Don’t ignore the signs of sleep apnea. Being diagnosed and treated is easier than you might think. To start the process, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lipton today. If indicated, he can refer you to a sleep lab from his Highland office, and if it proves necessary, provide a custom appliance that will allow you to sleep deeply and without interruption from sleep apnea. What are you waiting for?
