While the issue of sleep apnea is not widely discussed, this condition is quite common; affecting as many as twenty million Americans according to the National Institute of Health. Most often, the person suffering from sleep apnea is not even aware they are experiencing episodes during the night. In fact, when told they have sleep apnea, many patients don’t believe the diagnosis!
Sleep apnea is not easy to diagnose, especially because of the fact that the patient is largely unaware. Some of the signs may be a loss of energy, concentration and productivity. The person who is losing sleep night after night may become irritable or depressed, lethargic. He or she may have difficulty staying awake during less active tasks such as working at a desk, reading, even driving. Left untreated, this condition may lead to more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke or even sudden death.
There are certain risk factors to sleep apnea, although any person of any age may suffer from the disorder. Some of the most common risk factors are weight and age (over 40); and men do seem to present with the condition more often than women. Lifestyle changes may be the first step in reducing episodes of sleep apnea; but today there is also treatment available through your expert dentist.
There are three categories of sleep apnea:
In our dental office, we offer specialized dental devices which may alleviate sleep apnea and restore your good night’s sleep! Speak with Dr. Sheldon about your options if you feel you may have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is not easy to diagnose, especially because of the fact that the patient is largely unaware. Some of the signs may be a loss of energy, concentration and productivity. The person who is losing sleep night after night may become irritable or depressed, lethargic. He or she may have difficulty staying awake during less active tasks such as working at a desk, reading, even driving. Left untreated, this condition may lead to more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke or even sudden death.
There are certain risk factors to sleep apnea, although any person of any age may suffer from the disorder. Some of the most common risk factors are weight and age (over 40); and men do seem to present with the condition more often than women. Lifestyle changes may be the first step in reducing episodes of sleep apnea; but today there is also treatment available through your expert dentist.
There are three categories of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form. This occurs when throat muscles relax, blocking the airway.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obtrusive and central sleep apnea.
In our dental office, we offer specialized dental devices which may alleviate sleep apnea and restore your good night’s sleep! Speak with Dr. Sheldon about your options if you feel you may have sleep apnea.
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