Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. If you wake up each morning tired and unrested, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Luckily, you don’t have to continue to live with this disorder. John Leitner, DDS offers effective sleep apnea treatment, ensuring you get the sleep you need.
If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, seek professional care. Schedule your appointment today with our dentist in Grand Haven by calling (616) 842-2850.
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the throat and mouth relax, causing the airway to become partially or entirely blocked. This obstruction restricts airflow, leading to breathing pauses that last for a few seconds to a few minutes. These pauses can occur multiple times throughout the night, severely impacting sleep quality.
There are three types of sleep apnea:
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or believe you have sleep apnea, contact our Grand Haven dental office today to set up your consultation.
There are various causes and risk factors for developing sleep apnea. These include:
To obtain a sleep apnea diagnosis, you’ll likely experience the following:
There are various types of sleep apnea treatments available. We’ll go over your options and discuss which will be best suited to treat sleep apnea and meet your needs.
CPAP is a widely used treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which delivers a constant stream of pressurized air, keeping the airway open.
Custom-fitted oral appliances, similar to mouthguards, can be prescribed to reposition the jaw and tongue, preventing airway obstruction during sleep.
Certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. These may include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side rather than your back.
Mouth and throat exercises can be a useful complement to other treatments for mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles in the mouth and throat, potentially reducing the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. However, these exercises may not be a standalone solution for moderate to severe OSA.
In some cases, surgical options may be considered to address anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea. These include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement, or mandibular advancement surgery.
Yes, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed as its symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions or overlooked as mere snoring. Many individuals may attribute their daytime fatigue, lack of energy, or morning headaches to factors unrelated to sleep apnea. Seeking professional evaluation is essential for avoiding undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Yes, sleep apnea can affect individuals of all ages, including children. Pediatric sleep apnea often occurs due to anatomical factors such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can obstruct the airway during sleep. Children with sleep apnea may exhibit symptoms such as snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, and daytime sleepiness.
While lifestyle changes can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms, professional treatment is usually necessary for effective management. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to better sleep quality and overall well-being. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and practicing good sleep hygiene can have a positive impact.
Take control of your sleep and reclaim the restful nights you deserve. It’s time to seek professional help and discover effective treatment options that can make a significant difference.
Contact our Grand Haven dental team today at (616) 842-2850 to schedule an appointment. Together, we can address your sleep apnea concerns, provide personalized care, and guide you toward a healthier, more revitalized life complete with healthy sleep.