Sleep Apnea and Snoring
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is often portrayed, as only a sleep disorder, this is misleading. Sleep apnea not only changes the way you sleep and daytime concentration, its effects extend to the entire body and are more serious than a few sleepless nights.
In reality sleep apnea is a serious chronic health condition. Like high cholesterol, heart disease, or severe obesity, sleep apnea impacts your health and degrades your quality of life.
Sleep apnea may be fatal if left untreated.
Sleep Apnea Impacts the Body
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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM - high blood pressure and risk of heart disease
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BRAIN - stroke risk and Alzheimers, decreased concentration and memory
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EMOTIONS - less emotionally cognizant, and prone to depression, plus mood swings
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METABOLIC SYSTEM - diabetes risk
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SEXUAL FUNCTION - sexual dysfunction and lowered libido
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WEIGHT - overeating and putting on extra pounds
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ACCIDENTS - likely to experience an automobile crash
Sleep apnea explained.
Perhaps your room-mate says; "I notice there are times you stop breathing while you sleep..."
Is it really OK to stop breathing - ever?
Sleep Apnea Expert - Dr. Snyder
A holistic approach.
"What the patients really love - is that I sit down to really find out what's happening."
Sleep Apnea Expert - Dr. Snyder
Types of Sleep Apnea
The 3 main types of sleep apnea are:
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Obstructive - this most common form is experienced when throat muscles relax
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Central - occurs when our brain sends improper signals to the muscles that control breathing
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Complex - happens when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea
Looks like this...
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep, causing fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels.
The "apnea" in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least ten seconds this occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.
Sleep apnea testimonial.
"The first visit was an in depth evaluation by Dr. Beth, where she spent an hour and a half with me talking about my entire medical condition, my medical history - not just my apnea."
- Beth, Sleep Apnea Patient
Do You have Sleep Apnea?
Begin with the Stop Bang - Sleep Apnea Quiz below.
If your score is 4 or higher, please call our office and make an appointment for a comprehensive exam.
The doctor will take a CBCT scan (a low dose CAT scan) to evaluate your airway and anatomy. If you need a sleep study at a center or an at home sleep kit that will be determined during your consultation or exam.
When the study is completed we will discuss the results and explore treatment options together.
Pretty simple, only a few steps to a better nights sleep and a healthier life!
Treatment Options
THIS...
- VERSES -
THIS?
Ready to ditch your CPAP? Now you have choices. Most mild to moderate sleep apnea patients can be treated with a customized oral appliance, supporting the jaw and related tissues in a gently forward position.
These appliances are extremely effective in eliminating snoring and reducing apnec events, ensuring easy breathing, and allowing the wearer to sleep comfortably. We have a variety of devices to choose from to fit your personal needs.
For severe cases of Sleep Apnea a CPAP would need to be prescribed, perhaps even in conjunction with an oral appliance if necessary. Not everyone who is prescribed a CPAP is able to wear it, and there are very good reasons many people are non-compliant. A sleep appliance is an effective alternative treatment to reducing your apnea events.
