Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes pausing or shallow breaths during sleep. This can often be accompanied by snoring, which is the result of obstructed airflow.

Repeated sleep apnea can lead to sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and other sleep disorders.

Those most at risk for sleep apnea include the following:

• Those over the age of 40
• Those who are overweight
• Those with large tonsils, large tongue, or small jaw
• Those with a family history of sleep apnea
• Those with a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to the following health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack
• Diabetes
• Depression

Not only can sleep apnea leave you are feeling tired the next day, but if you have a bed partner, it can affect them as well if you snore loudly. It is important to treat sleep apnea to prevent further health issues and to enhance your life.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea

(OSA) – Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the flow of air. Essentially, the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open.

Central sleep apnea

(CSA) – this sleep disorder is less common. It occurs when the brain fails to send sleep-regulating signals to the muscles. This can cause brief cessation of breathing, as well as snoring and gasping sounds during sleep.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Noisy sleep (snoring)
• Awoken with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Irritability or depression
• Morning headaches, drowsiness, and sleep deprivation
• Difficulty concentrating

Sleep apnea and TMJ disorder symptoms often overlap, and a patient may be experiencing symptoms of one and have both disorders. What starts with a clenched jaw from stress and lack of sleep can affect the jaw muscles and may result in facial pain, headaches, and difficulty sleeping due to the pain.

If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, you must see your primary care physician or your local dentist specializing in sleep apnea treatment, like Dr. Christine Lee in Fairfield, CT. Symptoms from sleep apnea can leave you feeling tired and affect your health, career, and life.

Options for Sleep Apnea Treatment

There are several different options in Fairfield, CT, to help treat sleep apnea and help you achieve a deeper, more satisfying, restful sleep.

CPAP Machine

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy. This machine uses a mask that fits over the mouth and nose and gently blows air into your throat. This constant air pressure

Oral Appliance Therapy

An oral sleep appliance, also known as a sleep apnea appliance, is a custom-made mouthguard. This mouthguard works by pushing the lower jaw forward. By repositioning the lower jaw, the muscles in your throat work to prevent airway obstruction. Teeth grinding is also a common symptom of sleep apnea, and a night guard can help protect your teeth. An oral appliance for nighttime can help you achieve a better night’s sleep and protect your health.

Surgery

Surgery is used as a sleep apnea treatment for sleep apnea patients that cannot be managed with CPAP therapy or an oral sleep apnea appliance. Surgery is usually for patients with a recessed jaw or those with an overbite experiencing sleep apnea. The sleep apnea surgery will reposition the jaw and facial muscles to open the airway.

Lifestyle Changes

• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol and sleep medications
• Sleeping on one’s side instead of your back
• Positional therapy

Visit Dr. Christine Lee if You Suffer from Sleep Apnea

If you are looking for a solution to better sleep, stop snoring, and have a better life, then feel free to reach out to our office in Fairfield, CT. We provide personalized care to all of our patients.

Whether you have central or obstructive sleep apnea, our doctors will help you find the best treatment to help you breathe normally and enhance your sleep quality. Our patient’s dental and overall health is our number one priority. Call us today at 203-259-7073 to schedule a consultation with the best dentist in Fairfield County.