Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Do you often feel drowsy during the day? Does your family complain about snoring? Do you wake, feeling breathless? If yes, then you could be one of 12 million people in the United States who suffer from sleep apnea. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, Dr. Bradley Mott can help you find relief, improve your quality of sleep, and get the rest you need.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing, up to 20 or 30 times per hour, while asleep. When breathing pauses, the brain detects the lack of oxygen and wakes the body to resume breathing. Frequent waking prevents people from reaching the deep level of restorative sleep needed to function normally. Studies have shown that even heavy snoring has been linked with early cognitive decline, so addressing it early will help keep your mind healthy later in life.
Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms
Since sleep apnea occurs while a person’s asleep, most people don’t even realize they have it.
The following symptoms could indicate sleep apnea:
- Severe drowsiness
- Falling asleep unexpectedly
- Insomnia or trouble staying asleep
- Loud snoring, snorting, or choking
- Waking short of breath
- Morning headaches
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, Dr. Mott is ready to help address this serious health issue.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - Individuals with OSA suffer from a physical blockage, such as collapsed soft tissues in the throat, that obstructs the airways. OSA is more common in adults over 40 than younger individuals, and more men than women suffer from the condition.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) - CSA occurs when the muscles responsible for breathing don't receive the proper signals. Individuals with CSA typically suffer from another underlying condition such as neuromuscular disorders, heart problems, brain tumors, or strokes.
- Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea - Individuals with mixed sleep apnea have a combination of CSA and OSA.
Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe, and treatment will depend on the severity and type of sleep apnea diagnosed by your sleep specialist.
Address Sleep Apnea and Snoring With Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry
We are able to evaluate your risk for sleep apnea with a simple monitor that we send home with our patients. This screening allows you to avoid a costly and time consuming sleep study if it is not truly indicated. If we suspect further evaluation is necessary, we will coordinate with a licensed sleep medicine doctor to get a definitive sleep apnea diagnosis. Dr. Mott will be part of the team who alleviates sleep apnea and improves the quality of life for you and your loved ones sleeping next to you. To schedule an appointment, contact our office today.
