Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that goes beyond just loud snoring—it can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life. At Family Dentistry on Manchaca, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, which is why we offer specialized sleep apnea treatments designed to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Our team of experienced dental care providers in Austin, TX, is dedicated to delivering personalized care that addresses the root cause of your sleep apnea, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Don’t let sleep apnea take control of your life. Contact us today to start your journey toward better sleep and improved health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last a few seconds to minutes and may happen 30 or more times an hour. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax too much, blocking the airway and causing brief awakenings. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and happens when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to control breathing. Some people may experience a combination of both types, known as complex sleep apnea syndrome.
Types Of Sleep Apnea
Understanding the different types of sleep apnea is crucial in determining the most effective treatment:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, where the airway is blocked by relaxed throat muscles, causing repeated breathing interruptions and lower oxygen levels during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA): This type occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the breathing muscles, leading to pauses in breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: A combination of OSA and CSA, where central apneas develop during treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes undetected because its symptoms can be subtle or misinterpreted as another condition. However, the following signs are key indicators that you might be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring: A common symptom, particularly in obstructive sleep apnea. The sound occurs when air squeezes past a blocked airway.
- Gasping for air during sleep: Many people with sleep apnea wake up abruptly, gasping for air, because their oxygen level suddenly drops.
- Waking up with a dry mouth: Breathing through the mouth to compensate for blocked nasal airways can lead to a dry mouth upon waking.
- Morning headaches: Frequent headaches in the morning are a sign that your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen during sleep.
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia): The constant interruptions in breathing can prevent you from staying asleep, leading to insomnia.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness: Despite spending plenty of time in bed, those with sleep apnea often feel tired during the day because their sleep is not restful.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Proper diagnosis is crucial to effectively treating sleep apnea. Several methods can be used to diagnose this condition:
- Sleep studies: Also known as polysomnography, this is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. It involves spending a night in a sleep lab where your sleep is monitored closely. Sensors are placed on your body to measure brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.
- Home testing kits: For those who prefer a more convenient option, home sleep apnea testing kits are available. These kits allow you to monitor your sleep from the comfort of your home. The data collected is then analyzed by a sleep specialist to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Health Risks Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can seriously harm your health. The condition is linked to several significant health risks, including:
- High blood pressure: The repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep cause your blood pressure to spike, leading to hypertension.
- Heart disease: Sleep apnea increases the risk of developing heart-related problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
- Stroke: The lack of oxygen to the brain increases the likelihood of strokes.
- Diabetes: Sleep apnea can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Depression and anxiety: The chronic fatigue and stress of dealing with sleep apnea can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Sleep Apnea Treatment With A Sleep Guard
A sleep guard, also known as an oral appliance, is a custom-made device worn during sleep to keep your airway open. This treatment is particularly effective in treating patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. The sleep guard works by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue forward, preventing the airway from collapsing. It’s a comfortable and non-invasive alternative to other treatment methods like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), making it easier for patients to adhere to their treatment.
Sleep Guard VS CPAP
When comparing a sleep guard to CPAP therapy, there are several factors to consider:
- Comfort: Sleep guards are more comfortable for many patients, as they are less bulky and intrusive compared to CPAP masks.
- Convenience: Sleep guards are small, portable, and easy to travel with, whereas CPAP machines can be cumbersome.
- Effectiveness: For those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, sleep guards can be just as effective as CPAP. However, CPAP is often recommended for more severe cases.
Choose Better Sleep, Choose A Healthier Life
Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your life any longer. At Family Dentistry on Manchaca, we offer customized sleep apnea treatments designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. Our dental care providers in Austin, TX, are here to help you achieve better sleep and improved health. Take the first step towards restful nights and energized days by scheduling a consultation with us today. Ready to improve your sleep and your life? Contact our Austin, TX office now to schedule your consultation!
