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Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired even after you\u2019ve gotten a good night\u2019s sleep? If you suffer from sleep apnea, that sleep may not have been as \u201cgood\u201d as you\u2019d hoped. In fact, it may actually be detrimental to your health. Sleep experts estimate that nearly 1 in 5 adults suffer from sleep apnea, and that staggering statistic brings with it some very serious consequences.<\/p>\n
Sleep apnea is a complex disorder, and it\u2019s not surprising people have many questions about it. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition in which a person\u2019s airway is blocked when they sleep. It occurs when something interrupts the breathing process, cutting off oxygen to the brain and causing an individual to snore or even gasp for air. There are two types of sleep apnea:<\/p>\n
There are a variety of ways to treat sleep apnea<\/a>. The most well-known way is through a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine supplies constant and steady air pressure to a patient through a mask or nose piece attached to a small pressurizing device. The pressurized air improves airflow to the patient while he or she sleeps, preventing apnea.<\/p>\n For other patients, a dentist may recommend a specialized oral appliance similar to mouth guards worn by athletes. The appliance works by repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, and uvula to decrease or remove airway obstructions and improve breathing during sleep.<\/p>\n Beyond the basic information about sleep apnea and its treatment, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the top 5 questions people ask about the disorder. Read on to learn more about this potentially harmful medical condition.<\/p>\n Simple, periodic snoring is caused by a partial obstruction of the upper airways, which may be annoying, but not harmful. However, those with a total obstruction will often have loud snoring followed by brief periods of silence, which can mean they are not breathing. Very loud, consistent snoring is also an indication of sleep apnea and should be investigated.<\/p>\n Sleep apnea is assessed by means of an all-night sleep study, called a polysomnogram<\/em>, during which a clinician monitors a patient\u2019s brain activity, eye movement, muscle activity, breathing and heart rate, and oxygen levels. A special facility is required for the study.<\/p>\n However, sleep apnea has many characteristic symptoms. In addition to the characteristic loud snoring or snoring followed by silence or gasping, sleep apnea sufferers may also have:<\/p>\n Having one or more of the symptoms is a clue that you should talk to your health care provider about scheduling a sleep study.<\/p>\n Doctors estimate that more than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. It’s more common after age 40, but it can affect people of all ages. You’re more likely to have the condition if you’re overweight, a man, African-American, or Latino. The disorder also tends to run in families.<\/p>\n OSA is common in children, affecting as many as 1 in 10. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and the child eventually outgrows it. But some may start to have behavior troubles or serious medical problems because of it; in these cases, parents or caregivers should seek medical advice.<\/p>\n Sleep apnea can lead to more than a loss of a good night\u2019s sleep. Recent studies have linked it to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain. In addition, the extreme fatigue it can cause can lead to automobile or on-the-job accidents.<\/p>\n The answer to that question is a resounding maybe<\/em>. Some people who have suffered from mild sleep apnea have found when they made lifestyle changes \u2013 like exercising and losing weight \u2013 their sleep apnea was no longer a problem. Others have found that oral appliances or CPAP treatments can eliminate sleep apnea. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. People with abnormal jaw structure or an enlarged tongue or tonsils have found relief often find relief only after a surgical procedure.<\/p>\n If you have more questions about sleep apnea, or suspect you may be suffering from it, we\u2019re here to help. One of our dental specialists,\u00a0Dr. Paul Van Walleghem<\/a>, specializes in dental sleep medicine and recently became an American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) Diplomate. ABDSM is the board for the leading national organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, an effective alternative treatment to the CPAP machine.<\/p>\n If you suspect you have sleep apnea and would like to explore dental treatments, contact us today<\/a>!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a thing! Connect with us on\u00a0<\/em>Facebook<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Have a question about the connection between oral health and sleep apnea? Pointe Dental Group is here to help you understand more about sleep apnea!<\/p>\n Contact Pointe Dental\u2019s\u00a0Sleep Apnea Dentist in SE Michigan<\/a>\u00a0at either of our convenient locations:<\/p>\n Grosse Pointe Farms Shelby Township5 FAQs About Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n
1. What\u2019s the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. How can I tell if I suffer from sleep apnea?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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3. Does sleep apnea only affect older people?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Is sleep apnea dangerous?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Will it go away?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pointe Dental Group Specializes in Sleep Apnea Treatment!<\/h2>\n
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Sleep Apnea Dentist in SE Michigan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n18342 Mack Avenue
\nGrosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
\n(313) 881-2480<\/p>\n
\n50505 Schoenherr Rd # 170
\nShelby Township, MI 48315
\n(586) 803-8300<\/p>\n![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.pointedentalgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/PDG-CTA-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMore About Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n
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