The Causes and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Do you regularly suffer from headaches, especially in the morning? Do you feel tired or sleepy during the day? Do you find yourself having difficulty focusing or concentrating throughout the day? Have you ever been accused of snoring loudly? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you might suffer from sleep apnea. It is a dangerous sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from this disorder, then read on! We’re going to discuss some of the causes and treatments for sleep apnea in Yuma, AZ.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes obstructed by your relaxed muscles, causing you to stop breathing, this, in turn, signals your brain to wake you up. Because you’re only awake for a few seconds, you may not even realize that it happened, but you can be waking up hundreds of times per night when you suffer from sleep apnea. Because of the constant waking, your body is not getting the rest that it needs, and your organs are not getting the oxygen that they need.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause a host of issues and make it difficult for you to function during the day. It can also contribute to some other serious health concerns such as heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for sleep apnea. However, many patients benefit from using oral appliances as well. Your dental provider can customize an oral device that is designed to shift your jaw forward slightly, which helps to open your airway and give you a restful night of sleep. Some cases may require both the use of the CPAP and an oral appliance. Learn what happens during teeth cleaning.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Yuma AZ
At Yuma Smiles, Dr. Sam Carroll has extensive training in creating and customizing oral appliances that help patients effectively manage their sleep apnea. This sleep disorder affects your overall health and well-being and is too dangerous to ignore. If you’ve accused of snoring, take heed! Contact our highly-rated dental practice in Yuma AZ today to learn more about sleep apnea therapy.
