Sleep Apnea: More Common Than You Think
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder carrying serious medical concerns. The condition is characterized by the repetitious cessation of breathing while sleeping, often for 60 seconds or longer and hundreds of times throughout the night. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association*, the medical issue affects around 22 million people in the United States, many of whom are unaware they have this potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep
- Loud snoring, chortling or gasping for air
- Frequent morning headaches
- Waking often throughout the night
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Daytime grogginess, sleepiness or irritability
Without Treatment, Sleep Apnea May Threaten Your Health
It is extremely important to treat sleep apnea as soon as possible to avoid health complications like:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Mental health problems
- Obesity
- Acid reflux
- Memory issues
- Chronic headaches
- Increased risk of accidents
Sleep apnea risk factors include:
- Male gender
- Over 40 years of age
- Large neck or tongue size
- Excess weight
- Narrow airway
- Genetics
- Alcohol or tobacco use
- Certain medications
Minimally Invasive Care for Quality Sleep, Every Night
Diagnosing sleep apnea is accomplished through a quality sleep study and analyzing data collected by our minimally invasive pharyngometer device. A pharyngometer is used by our sleep specialist to assess the size of the airway when your lower jaw is placed in various positions, as having the jaw resting too far back during sleep is one of the primary causes of sleep apnea. Once your sleep apnea is diagnosed, our team may fabricate a custom oral appliance, and suggest lifestyle changes or other treatment options.
You deserve to live a healthy life, and enjoy restful, sound sleep! If you or a family member exhibits any symptom of sleep apnea, please contact us right away for a private consultation.