While we sleep, the muscles in our mouth, jaw, and throat naturally relax. When someone has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), these muscles relax so much that they collapse and obstruct the airway. This not only makes it difficult to breathe, but frequently stops breathing for 10 or more seconds. This discreased flow of oxygen causes repeated awakenings which can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, resulting in an overall poor quality of sleep.
What are the Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
Besides being able to keep an entire household from sleeping because of the loud snoring, obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to a host of serious health risks, including:
- Increased risk of stroke
- Cardiovascular disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
Signs & Symptoms
Some of the symptoms that accompany sleep apnea seem unrelated, so it’s important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Sufferers may experience:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Severe daytime fatigue
- Frequent urination during the night (your body’s attempt to regulate blood pressure)
- Morning headaches (jaw clenching and/or blood pressure could be responsible)
- Chronic heartburn
- Nightmares or insomnia
Relief Without a CPAP Machine?
If any of this sounds familiar, your Falls Church Sleep specialist can offer a solution that helps you reclaim restful nights and energized days – without a CPAP machine. A customized oral appliance could be all that stands between you and easy breathing while you sleep.
We offer the following oral devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea:
SomnoDent
- Comfortable
- Does not impose on tongue
- Allows opening & closing of jaw
Panthera
- Small & lightweight
- Allows you to talk, drink, and close your mouth while sleeping
- Made with state of the art technology for the perfect fit
MicrO2 Sleep & Snore Device
- Lingual-free design gives more tongue space
- One piece construction
- Made with biocompatible matierals that minimize risk of TMJ
Causes of Sleep Apnea
According to the National Institute of Health, 1 in 5 American adults suffer from sleep anpea, and 9 out of 10 cases are undiagnosed.
There are several demographics and lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea, such as:
- Excessive weight
- Being over the age of 40
- Regularly drinking alcohol
- A narrow airway
- Smoking
- Family history of sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is also more common among man than women, and it is believed to be due to the larger circumference of their necks.
Your Partners for Sound Sleeping
Sleep Falls Church wants to help you take back your life, one night of sound sleep at a time. Many of our patients diagnosed with OSA are unaware of treatment options beyond the traditional CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine.
While CPAP is considered the ‘gold standard’ for sleep apnea treatment, there are estimates that only 40% of patients wear their CPAP masks each night. The reasons a patient may want to avoid a CPAP mask include:
- Discomfort
- Noise
- Difficult to sleep in
- Inconvenient to travel with
This makes some patients feel like they’re trading one sleep disturbance for another. Sleep Falls Church wants you to know that you don’t have to sacrifice your sleep or your health! Schedule your consultation to learn how our oral appliances can help you get the sleep you need without a CPAP machine.