Poor sleep can lead to a number of problems like increased blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, and even an increased stroke risk. Sleep apnea is a disorder where a patient will quit breathing on and off throughout the night. If you have this condition, you have options. Here’s how Dr. Ania can help give you a better night’s rest now. 

What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

It’s estimated that 22 million Americans have sleep apnea. However, over 80% of those cases are moderate-to-severe and undiagnosed, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. 

Did you know that your rest could be affected by your mouth? You might not think you should see the dentist because you’re not sleeping well, but you should. Your dentist can examine your mouth, neck, and jaw to see if that’s what is affecting your quality of rest. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to continuously stop and start while you’re sleeping. Mayo Clinic explains that sleep apnea happens when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most common sign of OSA? Snoring. However, that’s not the only sign. You might also see signs of:

• Chronic fatigue 
• Noticeable stop in breathing during sleep 
• Waking by gasping or choking 
• Dry mouth and sore throat 
• Headaches when waking up 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, and irritability 
• High blood pressure
• Night sweats 
• Decreased libido 

In addition to obstructive, there are two other types of apneas. There is also:

• Central sleep apnea (CSA) is most commonly associated with severe illnesses, and happens when your breathing is disrupted because of how your brain functions, not because the airway is blocked. Unlike obstructive, with CSA you are able to breathe, but your brain doesn’t tell your muscles to do so. 
• Complex sleep apnea: which is a combination of obstructive and central. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you aren’t getting an adequate amount of rest, you are more susceptible to having a compromised immune system, not being able to think clearly, weight gain, increased blood pressure, anxiety, risk of stroke, and more. If you have OSA, these are all concerns that need to be addressed. Dr. Ania offers several options for OSA treatment. 

MicrO2 Sleep Device

The MicrO2 Sleep Device has been designed to successfully treat OSA. This works by reducing night time snoring and mild-to-moderate OSA in adults by holding your lower jaw forward during sleep. By doing this, it prevents your tongue and throat tissues from collapsing into your airway. The MicrO2 Sleep Devices are patient specific to maximize tongue space and the ability to open and close during wear. Benefits of this treatment option include: 

• DIGITAL SIMPLICITY. The first CAD/CAM milled OSA device, MicrO2 ,is precise, predictable, and easy to use.
• COMFORTABLE PROFILE. The only OSA device made from control-cured PMMA, it is compact without compromising durability or retention.
• EASY ADJUSTMENT. Featuring an adjustment method similar to changing aligners, it has a one-piece construction with no moving parts.
• LINGUAL-FREE SPLINT. The MicrO2 offers a lingual-free design that is intended to offer the patient maximum tongues space.
• EXPERT DESIGN. The MicrO2 design is based on the clinical expertise of leaders in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine.

SomnoDent 

The SomnoDent is another appliance that is custom-fit to the patient. SomnoDent helps patients by holding the jaw forward in a comfortable position, which helps your tissues relax and prevents your tongue from collapsing. 91% of patients that have used SomnoDent have reported improvement in their quality of rest and life. 

CPAP Machine

Continuous positive aware pressure (CPAP) machines work by blowing a constant stream of air into your throat to keep the airway open. This device works well, however, many people can find it uncomfortable and have trouble getting used to wearing it. This is often only used if your condition is severe. If it’s not, the other treatments are less invasive and can be more comfortable alternatives. 

How Do I Know if I Have OSA?

Dr. Ania can test you for OSA with an at-home sleep test. This is an easy, convenient way to have a doctor gain information all the while you rest in the comfort of your own bed. 

Get Better Sleep by Seeing Dr. Ania 

If you haven’t been sleeping well and believe sleep apnea could have something to do with it, make an appointment to come in and see Dr. Ania. The best treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity, but Dr. Ania will walk you through all of your options so it’s not so overwhelming. Call today to learn more: (303)-872-9940.