Sleep apnea is a serious condition that is unfortunately growing among Americans, as over 22 million people are currently suffering from it. More alarming, though, is that 80% of the cases go undiagnosed. Therefore, most people are leaving themselves in harm’s way. One way to make a positive impact on this statistic is through better education, so as you read on, you’ll discover what symptoms to lookout for. Additionally, you’ll learn about the methods of sleep apnea treatment in Columbus.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The term ‘sleep apnea’ refers to lapses in breathing while you slumber, which can be brought on by either a partial blockage of your airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or a communication failure in your brain (central sleep apnea). As a protective mechanism, your body will then alert you to awaken so you can restart your breathing. Because this can happen several times throughout the night, you can be left feeling lethargic and drained throughout the day.
Other Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
Here are some of the other traits that could be indicative of sleep apnea:
- Lost libido
- Depression
- Bed-wetting
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Inability to concentrate
- Gasping sounds while sleeping
Because some of the above symptoms only happen while you’re asleep, you may not be aware that you’re displaying certain traits unless someone brings it to your attention.
What to Do About Sleep Apnea
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, the first step to being properly diagnosed is to take an Epworth Sleepiness Scale assessment, which will inform your sleep dentist of the probability of you having a sleep disorder. Your specialist can then refer you to a local sleep doctor who will perform a sleep study.
Following the sleep study, the doctor will determine whether you have sleep apnea and the possibility of being treated by your sleep dentist.
How Your Dentist Treats Sleep Apnea
The most common form of treating sleep apnea is the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which consists of a facial mask that is connected to a base unit via a tube. Its purpose is to force air into your throat while you sleep to prevent lapses in breathing.
For some patients, though, this isn’t the most desirable method of treatment. Thus, your sleep dentist offers a custom-made oral appliance, which is a mouthguard that is worn at night. It helps to reposition the jaw so that you can have better airflow.
It’s vital to seek treatment if you suspect that you have sleep apnea because it can lead to serious health issues like hypertension, heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, missing valuable sleep can hinder the function of your immune system and leave you more susceptible to a host of illnesses.
But with the help of your sleep dentist, you have a way to fight back. So to get on track to better overall health, reach out to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Eric Buck is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Through a combination of years of experience and a continuous pursuit of more knowledge, he helps patients recover from sleep apnea at The Columbus Sleep Center. He can be reached for more information through his website.