Losing sleep can have a major affect on our day. We can have trouble concentrating, we may feel irritable, and over time, losing sleep can make us more accident-prone. However, if you suffer from sleep apnea, or OSA, then there is a treatment option available. Do you need sleep apnea treatment? How does the doctor recognize and treat the disorder?
Frequently Asked Questions About Treating Sleep Apnea
Question: What are the warning signs of OSA?
Answer: Sleep apnea occurs when the airflow becomes blocked and patients stop breathing during the night. Many are completely unaware that this happen and simply feel exhausted the next day despite thinking they sleep. Other symptoms include snoring, irritability, difficulty focusing, and waking up gasping for air or choking. If you experience these symptoms then please contact our office for a diagnosis.
Question: Why do we develop this sleep disorder?
Answer: Risk factors for OSA include age (50 and above), obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption. The soft tissues become overly relaxed at night and collapse, blocking airflow. The patient stops breathing and is woken up by the brain, often hundreds of times every night.
Question: Will changing how I sleep help?
Answer: In some cases changes to your daily routine can help address the problem. We recommend losing weight, sleeping on your side, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule (waking and going to bed at the same time each day). We also recommend removing distractions from the bedroom, such as TVs or computers, and keeping the bedroom dark and cool.
Question: How will the doctor treat my issue?
Answer: In most cases the doctor will prescribe an oral appliance. Worn while you sleep, the device simply adjusts the jaw, moving it forward to keep airways open. If you have any questions about treating sleep apnea 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.
