Did you know that losing sleep on a consistent basis can impact your quality of life? From causing moodiness to increasing the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, losing sleep can be very harmful. Studies estimate between 10 and 12 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea. How do we treat sleep apnea?
Try Our Quiz on Treating Sleep Apnea
- True or False: Snoring is often a warning sign.
- True or False: Without treatment, serious complications can arise.
- True or False: We can use a CPAP machine to treat the disorder.
- True or False: We may also recommend an oral appliance.
Answer Key
- True. Patients with sleep apnea may snore frequently, wake up with dry mouth, wake sudden in the night gasping for breath for choking, or may experience daytime drowsiness and moodiness. If one or more of these possible warning signs sounds familiar, then please contact our office today.
- True. Over time, untreated OSA has been linked to a higher risk of depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.
- True. A CPAP machine involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth as you sleep. The mask connects to a machine that pumps air through your nose and mouth. You can then sleep without apneic episodes. However, some patients find the device to be cumbersome and uncomfortable. For them, we offer an alternative, which we will discuss below.
- True. An oral appliance is similar to a nightguard and worn as you sleep. The device actually repositions the jaw, moving it forward just enough to prevent the collapse of soft tissues and allow breathing to continue uninterrupted. Many people prefer this to the CPAP machine. If you have any questions about diagnosing or treating sleep apnea, then please contact our office today. We want to make sure you rest properly!
Do You Gave Trouble Sleeping?
We can use a CPAP machine or possibly an oral appliance to help you rest. Our staff can help. Contact us at our local Austin, TX office at 512-250-9444.
