Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you often feel exhausted during the day, even when you believe you slept the night before? Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, can lead to problems resting, as well as serious complications down the road, including depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. How do you treat sleep apnea?
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Question: How do I know if I have OSA?
Answer: Warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea can range from chronic snoring to daytime exhaustion. Other warning signs can include waking up gasping for air or choking, moodiness, or even trouble focusing on tasks. If one or more of these warning signs sound familiar, then please contact our office. We can diagnose the issue and see if you require treatment.
Question: What causes the disorder to develop?
Answer: A number of different factors can lead to the onset of the issue. Common factors include a large neck circumference, obesity, age (55 and older), and gender (typically male). The onset of the disorder happens when the soft tissues in the mouth and throat collapse and block airflow. The patient stops breathing until the brain wakes him/her up to breathe again, often hundreds of times a night.
Question: Will changes to my day-to-day life help address the issue?
Answer: You can take steps to help alleviate the issue, such as sleeping on your side instead of your back and maintaining a regular sleep schedule (waking up and going to bed at the same times every day). You can also avoid alcohol or caffeine before bed.
Question: How do you treat OSA?
Answer: We may recommend an oral appliance. Worn at night, this nightguard-like device repositions the jaw to move it forward and prevent the collapse of soft tissue. You can then enjoy a night of uninterpreted breathing.
CALL YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST TODAY:
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.
