Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes frequent disruption in breathing during sleep and can lead to numerous health issues if left untreated. Here at Elevate Dental Health & Wellness, our priority is to provide the best sleep apnea solutions to those struggling.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Complex Sleep Apnea.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when throat muscles relax excessively and there is obstruction of the upper airway. This causes a temporary pause in breathing. A person’s breathing may be significantly reduced or completely stopped for a short period of time. This often occurs multiple times throughout the night leading to fragmented sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Oftentimes, healthy people experience central apneas while they are transitioning from being awake to being in a light sleep. It is considered a sleep disorder when you are experiencing apneas five times or more a night.
- Complex Sleep Apnea occurs when a person is receiving treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. With Complex Sleep Apnea a person being treated for Obstructive Sleep Apnea continues to have pauses in their breathing despite their airway remaining open.
All three types can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and potentially serious health complications such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Sleep Apnea Solutions
At Elevate Dental Health & Wellness, Dr. Werleman has many treatment options available to work with you to ensure you get the treatment you need. Here are some solutions you may consider.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy – This involves wearing a face mask that is connected to a CPAP machine that delivers a continuous stream of air pressure, keeping the airway open throughout the night. CPAP Therapy is the most common form of treatment for sleep apnea.
- Oral Airway Appliances – These are custom-made to fit in the patient’s mouth and work by repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. They help reduce the air resistance that leads to snoring and sleep apnea.
- Positional Therapy – Designed to prevent the individual from sleeping on their back, where gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues of the throat to collapse and block the airway. This involves using adjustable pads or special pillows to help keep individuals on their side while sleeping.
- Lifestyle Modifications – In moderate cases of sleep apnea, certain lifestyle changes may be all that’s needed.
- Weight Loss – Excess weight can contribute to the narrowing of the airway, exacerbating sleep apnea. Losing even a modest amount of weight can improve symptoms.
- Sleep Positioning – Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and reduce episodes of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Avoiding Alcohol and Sedatives – These substances can relax the muscles in the throat, making it more likely for the airway to become blocked.
- Physical Therapy – For many patients, symptoms of sleep apnea can go unnoticed for years before seeking treatment. Physical therapy helps those who struggle with poor posture, muscle strain from compensatory movements, chronic pain, and frequent headaches due to disrupted sleep.
- Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be needed for treating sleep apnea. When other treatments have been unsuccessful, individuals may turn to surgery as another option. Surgery is typically recommended for individuals with excessive or abnormal tissue that obstructs airflow in the nose or throat. This can include conditions where anatomical structures such as the uvula, soft palate, or tonsils contribute to obstructive sleep apnea by narrowing the airway during sleep.
Seeking Professional Help
It is essential to seek professional help if you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea. A sleep study, conducted either at a sleep center or with a home sleep test, can diagnose the condition and determine the severity of the apnea episodes.
At Elevate Dental Wellness and Health, we are committed to providing sleep apnea solutions and improving your overall well-being. Our approach includes thorough assessments and customized treatment strategies designed to meet your unique requirements.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improving your sleep and overall health!
