Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which you stop breathing while you are asleep. Sleep apnea is a serious health problem as it can increase the risk of stroke, obesity, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Dr. Sutton is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, an organization who promotes research and the clinical use of oral appliances and upper airway surgery for the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders (SBD) and provides training and resources for those who work directly with patients. If you are looking for a simple treatment option to help you sleep better at night Dr. Sutton may be able to help. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your free consultation.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

You may be aware that you are not getting a good night's sleep however your symptoms will most likely be first noticed by family members. Sleep apnea is most commonly identified by the following symptoms:

• Gasping for air or choking during sleep
• Loud snoring

When you are suddenly awoken during the night because of your inability to breathe properly your sleep is interrupted and you are prevented from feeling refreshed throughout the day. You may struggle to stay awake during the day or feel irritable or depressed. Additional signs of sleep apnea may include:

• Being very tired during the day.
• Waking up often during the night.
• Waking with a sore throat or dry mouth.
• Going to the bathroom often during the night.
• Having headaches in the early morning.
• Poor memory and difficulty concentrating.
• Mood problems.

The above problems do not warrant signs that you suffer from sleep apnea. There may be other problems associated with these problems other than sleep apnea. Consult with Dr. Sutton to discuss your specific situation and he will evaluate your personal situation to see if you have sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

There are various different treatment options that you and Dr. Sutton may discuss during your consultation. Some of the more conservative treatment treatments include:

Maintaining a healthy weight- A large contributor to sleep apnea is obesity. Excess weight in the neck or abdomen can hinder the effectiveness of the breathing muscles and compress your airway. If you suffer from sleep apnea and are obese, weight loss will be one of the first things that may be recommended to you. In extreme obesity cases weight loss surgery may be considered as a treatment option.

Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use- Alcohol and tobacco use can contribute to airway depression that can negatively effect the way you sleep. The combination of sleep apnea and these substances severely increases your chances of not recovering from breathing cessation in the night and could be lethal.

Sleeping on your side- Sleeping on your side as opposed to your back may help promote better breathing and limit the effects of sleep apnea.

Additional Treatment Options

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) - CPAP uses pressurized air generated from a bedside machine and is the preferred initial treatment for most people with obstructive sleep apnea. The air moves through a tube, connected to a mask that comfortably covers your nose, mouth, or nose and mouth. The device prevents airway closure while it is being used and is effective at preventing sleep apnea.

There are millions of people worldwide who suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation and often these conditions can be treated by your trained dental team. For more information about sleep apnea treatments and prevention, contact Sonoma Smiles for a free consultation. Contact Sonoma Smiles Today! 1-800-817-7078