Do you often snore? If so, this could potentially be linked to a serious sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Often, patients that snore also experience daytimes drowsiness and other symptoms of OSA. Fortunately, we can perform an accurate diagnosis and suggest non-invasive treatment options for stopping sleep apnea.
What Causes OSA?
Sleep apnea occurs when we stop breathing for brief periods in our sleep. The soft tissues in the throat and in the back of the mouth may become too relaxed, collapsing and obstructing airflow. The patient stops breathing until the brain registers a sudden drop on oxygen and wakes the patient to breathe. Despite this happen hundreds of times a night, people with OSA rarely remember these episodes later. However, there are warning signs to watch for!
Links to Chronic Snoring
Often, chronic snoring is linked to the disorder since we snore after airflow becomes partially obstructed. Other warning signs can include dry mouth when waking up, episodes of suddenly waking gasping for air or choking in the night, moodiness during the day, difficult staying focused on tasks, and frequent daytime drowsiness. If one or more of these warning signs apply to your life, then please contact our team today.
Oral Appliance Treatment
We can often treat the disorder with an oral appliance. The device will look similar to a nightguard, but will be custom-made for the patient. Worn at night, the appliance helps reposition the jaw, moving it forward to prevent the collapse of overly-relaxed soft tissues. We can also discuss changes to your sleeping habits, such as avoiding alcohol or caffeine before bed, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and free of screens (TV, computer, and smartphone). If you feel you may need a diagnosis, then please contact us right away!
Do You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we discuss treatment options and lifestyle changes to help you avoid apneic episodes. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
