.png){kind=logo}
.png)
Get Treatment for Disorder Sleep
Sleep Apnea screenings
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, and many are not even aware of their condition. Apnea can stop you from getting restful sleep, cause daytime drowsiness, and even increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Sleep apnea refers to a group of medical conditions that interrupt proper breathing during sleep, often for up to 10 seconds at a time. Sleep apnea interferes with proper oxygenation of the blood, and can also cause poor-quality sleep. If you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, get more details below and learn how Dr. Will can help you get sleep apnea treatment in Nolensville.
To assess if your drowsiness indicates sleep apnea, take a look at the Epworth Scale.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common type of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles in your face and throat relax, and tissue in your throat and palate begin to drop into your airway. This tissue can block the airway completely, causing interruptions in your breathing. In most cases, OSA is caused, at least in part, by excessive weight and obesity, which leads to excessive soft tissue of the mouth and throat. However, it can also be caused by a narrow throat or hyperthyroidism. Excessive use of tobacco, alcohol, and sedative medications are also associated with OSA.
What Are the Effects of Sleep Apnea?
Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms
Sleep apnea prevents you from breathing properly at night, often for 2-10 seconds at a time. This interferes with proper blood oxygenation, causing quite a few unpleasant side effects and symptoms. Common effects of sleep apnea include headaches, a dry or scratchy throat upon waking, daytime sleepiness, heavy snoring, and mood changes. If it is left untreated, apnea can also increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Seeing a Sleep Specialist
In most cases, those with sleep apnea are first alerted about the issue by a sleeping partner, who may notice loud snoring, gasping, and interruptions in breathing at night. To get an official diagnosis, you usually must see a sleep specialist for a home sleep test. Then, once your condition has been confirmed, you can discuss your treatment options.
What Are My Treatment Options
For Sleep Apnea?
In some cases, minor cases of apnea can be resolved with lifestyle changes like losing weight, ceasing alcohol or sedative use, and living a healthier lifestyle. CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machines are also commonly recommended. These devices use a face mask to deliver a steady stream of gently pressurized air into the airway, preventing the sagging of oral tissue. Oral appliances from a dentist like Dr. Will are also a good option. These devices look somewhat like a sports mouthguard, and are designed to shift the jaw into a better position during sleep, preventing the tissue in the throat and palate from constricting the airway.
Do You Suffer During the Day?
Get a Proper Night’s Sleep
At The Burkitt Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, we can help you or your partner diagnose and address any sleep problems that might be present. Getting treatment for Sleep Apnea will help you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day. If you think you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea, call us at (615) 941-3368 or stop by our office at 7024 Nolensville Road, Nolensville, TN 37135 to get started!
-p-800.png){kind=logo}