What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common types of sleep disorders. It occurs when your breathing pattern is repeatedly disrupted during your sleep cycle. The pauses in your breath are caused by the collapse of the soft tissue in your airway, which reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your lungs and other major organs in your body.
Factors such as obesity, large neck circumference, and throat size are all factors that may increase your risk of sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can affect your quality of sleep, overall health, and energy levels. In advanced cases, untreated sleep apnea can even increase your risk of death. It is important to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and visit a specialist.
At Cosmetic Dentistry Associates, we offer compassionate and focused care for patients with sleep apnea. We work with you to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and recommend the right solution for your needs.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The signs of sleep apnea can vary from patient to patient. Many patients don’t realize they are exhibiting signs of sleep apnea until a partner informs them or they visit a specialist.
Signs of Sleep Apnea:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Daytime fatigue
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating throughout the day
- Early morning headaches
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, they shouldn’t go unignored. Visit a specialist for a consultation and get one get closer to better sleep and overall wellness.
What Are The Risks of Sleep Apnea?
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have detrimental effects on your overall health and wellness. It is important to note that anyone can develop sleep apnea. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chance of developing sleep apnea.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea:
- Being male
- Having a large neck circumference
- Being overweight
- Smoking an tobacco use
- A family history of sleep apnea
- Age
The Importance of Getting Diagnosed
Sleep apnea doesn’t only affect your quality of sleep; it can also affect your quality of life. Recent studies have suggested that patients with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing severe health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular events
- Surgery complications
Undergoing a sleep study can help you get the diagnosis you need to begin living a better quality of life. Contact our team at Cosmetic Dentistry Associates in Pomona, NY for the care you need. We offer oral appliance therapy (sleep guard) for patients with sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation, contact us or request an appointment online.