Sleep apnea can interrupt your breathing during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for brief periods. Some people experience up to 30 interruptions per hour! When this happens, your brain receives a signal of low oxygen and momentarily wakes you up to jumpstart your breathing. Because these interruptions are so brief, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea and may think they’re getting adequate rest. However, the constant wake-sleep cycle prevents them from entering deep sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness that can affect their quality of life.
Sleep apnea can interrupt your breathing during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for brief periods. Some people experience up to 30 interruptions per hour! When this happens, your brain receives a signal of low oxygen and momentarily wakes you up to jumpstart your breathing. Because these interruptions are so brief, many people are unaware they have sleep apnea and may think they’re getting adequate rest. However, the constant wake-sleep cycle prevents them from entering deep sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness that can affect their quality of life.
The top signs of sleep apnea to watch for include:
If you notice one or more of these, contact our London, ON, practice at (519) 777-2020 to schedule a consultation.
The three different types of sleep apnea include:
Sleep apnea affects everyone, including people of all ages and genders. Other risk factors to note include:
Notably, central sleep apnea has additional risk factors including:
Sleep apnea can have significant consequences if left untreated. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, leading to heart failure and stroke. Additionally, the constant fatigue caused by sleep apnea can affect your performance at work or school and put you in danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. If you suspect you may suffer from sleep apnea, seeking a diagnosis is crucial.
Sleep apnea treatment depends on the cause and severity of the apnea. Behavioural treatment is one method, and that includes:
In addition to behavioural adjustments, oral devices also help with sleep apnea. The device keeps the mouth in a position to prevent blockages and ensure airflow. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
Encourage your loved one to visit a specialist if you’re worried they may have sleep apnea. A sleep apnea specialist will evaluate the concerns and provide an accurate diagnosis. From there, they can recommend the best treatment option.
Worry not, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is designed for comfort! You won’t even notice it when you wear it to sleep. It addresses snoring, especially for those with allergies or sinus blockage. Note that a MAD may take a few nights to adjust to. At first, you may wake up with a sore jaw. Upon removing the device, any stiffness will subside.
At Alba Dental Centre, we’re devoted to ensuring our patients get the care they deserve. Our dentists proudly serve Ontario patients in London and the surrounding areas like Strathroy, St. Thomas, and Ingersoll, ON.
To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, call our London office at (519) 777-2020 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. You can also request an appointment, and one of our team members will get back to you promptly.
Our goal is to offer you and your family the best dental care. We are thrilled that our service have rated 5 stars.
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