Sleep Apnea Therapy – Worthington, PA
A Better Quality of Rest Can Improve Your Health
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it’s estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from this medical condition that can impact breathing patterns while asleep. Not only can this impact your day-to-day life and how you function, but it can also affect your long-term overall wellbeing by increasing your risk of developing certain medical conditions. That’s why your dentist in Worthington, Dr. LJ Adam, offers customized sleep apnea therapy, so patients improve their overall quality of rest and function like normal again. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are looking for treatment solutions that are effective and reliable, contact our office to schedule a consultation today to learn more about getting a customized oral appliance.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea in Worthington causes airways to become either partially or fully blocked while you’re sleeping, resulting in a sporadic breathing pattern and pauses in breaths. This instance is called an episode, which can happen dozens or hundreds of times throughout the night. Once your brain realizes that your oxygen flow has halted, it will send out an emergency signal to correct the problem and continue your breathing. These brief interruptions can last up to several seconds at a time and prevent you from getting the REM sleep that your body needs to repair itself.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Patients often experience several different types of sleep apnea symptoms, but because they primarily occur during rest, many cases go undiagnosed until they cause other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure. Here are some common signs of the sleeping condition that you or your partner can keep an eye out for to help determine if you need help:
- Chronic loud snoring
- Waking up with headaches and sore throats in the morning
- Feeling fatigued after a seemingly restful night of sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep (often spotted by partners or family members)
- Having memory or concentration problems
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to schedule a sleep study with a specialist. During this test, they will examine your sleeping pattern and determine whether or not you suffer from obstructive episodes. Once you’re diagnosed with the issue, you can begin researching different therapy options to help you get the quality of rest that you deserve.
How Can You Treat Sleep Apnea?
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the cessation of breathing for ten or more seconds at a time during sleep, your doctor has likely recommended continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. These systems force air through the nose to keep the airway clear during sleep allowing patients to take deep breaths and rest soundly. However, many patients find themselves unable to adapt to the sounds or sensations of the CPAP system. Dr. LJ Adam — who has struggled with sleep apnea himself — and his dental team offer a silent, comfortable alternative: oral appliance therapy. These custom-crafted guards shift the jaw forward placing pressure on the throat muscles and allowing patients to breathe deeply during sleep. For patients who can’t adjust to CPAP therapy, those who travel frequently, or those whose apnea is not adequately addressed by CPAP alone, a custom oral appliance may offer added relief from sleep apnea therapy and its effects. Call our team to find out more or schedule your sleep apnea consultation today.