What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the airways in your throat to close when you sleep, resulting in you waking up throughout the night. People with sleep apnea may wake up 10 or more times per hour.
There are several types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea is when the soft tissues in your throat relax and block your airway.
What are sleep apnea symptoms?
Many people with sleep apnea don’t know they have the condition, they just know they aren’t getting a good night’s sleep. You wake up for the day feeling tired, as though you didn’t get any sleep, and will likely feel groggy during the day. If you have a bed partner, they may notice you sporadically snoring.
Why is sleep apnea a health concern?
While lack of sleep is not good for your health, sleep apnea may have larger and more serious effects on your overall health. Having sleep apnea increases your risk of developing conditions like:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Stroke
Sleep apnea is more than just a lack of sleep. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, seek treatment.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Dr. Smith relieves sleep apnea with oral appliances that help reposition your mouth so your airways remain open when you sleep. Common appliances include:
Mandibular repositioning device
This type of appliance gently moves the jaw forward to prevent the soft tissues in your mouth and throat from collapsing into the airway when you sleep. The mandibular repositioning device (MAD) looks similar to a sports mouthguard and is the most commonly prescribed oral appliance for sleep apnea.
To learn more about your treatment options for sleep apnea, call Johnny L. Smith, DMD, or schedule an appointment online today.
