As you can probably guess, obstructive sleep apnea makes obtaining good sleep difficult for people. Sufferers may feel exhausted during the day and have trouble functioning at work or school. Without treatment, the disorder can lead to serious health complications. How does sleep apnea affect your health? What treatment options are available?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Question: What causes this disorder?
Answer: The disorder occurs when we stop breathing during sleep. Once this occurs, the brain is alerted and wakes the patient up. We stop breathing due to soft tissues in the back of the throat and mouth becoming overly relaxed, collapsing and blocking airflow. Even though this process can happen hundreds of times a night people rarely remember it.
Question: How does this affect my health?
Answer: Losing sleep as a result of OSA can often lead to high blood pressure. Over time, an increase in blood pressure and boost the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, sleep apnea has been linked to depression.
Question: Can I take steps to ease the symptoms?
Answer: You can take steps to ensure a better sleep environment. You can remove TVs and computers from bedroom and keep the room dark and cool. You can also avoid caffeine or alcohol in the two to four hours before bed, lose weight, and try sleeping in your side instead of your back. We also suggest maintaining a regular sleep schedule, waking up and going to bed at the same times everyday.
Question: What treatment will my doctor recommend?
Answer: We often address the issue with an oral appliance. Worn at night, the device helps reposition the jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissue during sleep. Patients breathe without interruption and experience a reduction in symptoms. If you have any questions about our sleep apnea treatments then contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
