How to Treat Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Don’t let your sleep apnea go untreated. It’s crucial to get an official diagnosis and begin prompt treatment to get your sleep patterns and your health back on track.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea are sleeping disorders that cause people to temporarily stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. Both types have different root causes so it’s important to determine which type of sleep apnea you have. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to your lung’s muscles. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles and soft tissues relax too much in the throat and block the airway.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, there are some common symptoms to watch out for, such as:

• Chronic snoring
• Dry mouth upon waking up
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Irritability and difficulty focusing

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Treatment for your sleep apnea will depend on the type of sleep apnea you have and your preferences. Some treatment options may include:

• Addressing Current Medical Conditions – Obstructive and central sleep apnea are sometimes triggered by outstanding health conditions. These conditions could include weight, medications, diabetes, cardiac issues, and high blood pressure. Your doctor will work with you to address any health conditions that may be the catalyst of your sleep apnea.
• CPAP Machines – CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are often recommended by doctors for patients suffering form both obstructive or central sleep apnea. The CPAP machine has a mask that you wear over your face while you sleep. The mask is attached to a hose and a machine that provides a continuous stream of air to help you breathe through the night.
• Oral Appliance Therapy – Many dentists offer treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with personalized oral appliances that look like mouthguards. These appliances are worn during sleep to gently reposition the jaw forward to keep the airway open.

Sleep Apnea Therapy in Bentonville

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, our Main Street Dental team can help! We offer custom sleep apnea appliances to help you combat your sleep apnea. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation!

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Categorised in: Oral Health