Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can affect your energy level, mental health, and overall physical health. It can lead to episodes such as strokes and heart attacks. What exactly is sleep apnea? What are the symptoms? When should you receive treatment? How is it treated? This is your guide to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
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What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can become a serious problem. It is characterized by a blocked airway that can cause sufferers to stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of time throughout the night. This will reduce the amount of oxygen that can reach the brain. Besides an inability to breathe normally during sleep, there are several other symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Snoring: While not life-threatening, this is typically the earliest warning sign
- Sore or dry throat upon waking
- Choking or gasping upon waking
- Lack of energy and drowsiness during the day
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness and mood changes
- Insomnia
When Is It Time to Seek Treatment?
Sufferers of sleep apnea should not put off treatment. Not only does sleep apnea reduce the oxygen circulating through the body, it also increases the risk of other conditions, including stroke, heart failure, and diabetes. Generally, if you experience gasping at night, excessive drowsiness during the day, mood changes, and headaches, you should seek help right away.
Why Should I Contact Levittown Park?
Levittown Family Dental in Levittown, New Jersey, offers more than just dental services – they also specialize in treatments for sleep apnea. They offer several treatments, including traditional CPAP therapy or surgery, coupled with advice on lifestyle changes. They also offer an innovative oral appliance therapy, which involves a small device fitted into the mouth that carefully moves the jaw slightly to prevent the air blockages. This makes it easier to breathe normally at night, while eliminating the need for bulky CPAP masks, hoses, and other parts which must be replaced frequently. This is a treatment that cannot be found at other dental clinics. Levittown Family Dental will meet with you to determine which treatment is best for your needs. Contact them today to schedule a consultation!