Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, which can result in disrupted sleep patterns and other health issues. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences on one’s overall health and quality of life.
In Oklahoma City, many individuals suffer from sleep apnea without even realizing it. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to help manage this condition and improve the quality of sleep for those affected. In this blog, we will discuss what sleep apnea is, its symptoms, causes, and available sleep apnea treatments in Oklahoma City. At Taylor Dental and Implant Center, we are committed to providing the best care for our patients and helping them achieve better overall health.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects the way one breathes while sleeping. It causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the night, leading to interrupted sleep patterns. There are three types of sleep apnea – obstructive, central, and complex.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea and occurs when the throat muscles relax, causing airway blockage during sleep. This leads to loud snoring, choking or gasping sounds, and disrupted breathing patterns.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep. This results in pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea, where individuals experience both airway blockage and disruptions in brain signaling.
Treatment Options
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also worsen existing conditions like depression and anxiety.
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which delivers pressurized air to keep the airway open. While CPAP is highly effective, some individuals may find it uncomfortable or have trouble adjusting to wearing the mask.
Other sleep apnea treatment options in Oklahoma City, OK, include oral appliances, which are custom-fitted devices worn in the mouth to help keep the airway open; surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or correct physical issues that contribute to sleep apnea; and lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime.
Managing Symptoms
In addition to treating sleep apnea, there are also ways to manage its symptoms and improve overall sleep quality. These include practicing good sleep hygiene by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, and avoiding caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime.
Another helpful practice is to sleep on your side instead of your back, as this can help keep the airway open. Using a specialized pillow or sleeping at an incline may also be beneficial in maintaining proper airflow during sleep.
Using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose and mouth, is another common treatment for sleep apnea. This helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of pauses in breathing during sleep.
Contact Us Today
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical attention and get a proper diagnosis. You can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, who may refer you to a sleep specialist.
At Taylor Dental and Implant Center, we offer comprehensive dental care including treatment for sleep apnea. Our team of experienced dentists can work with you to find the best solution for your specific needs. We also offer flexible payment options and accept most insurance plans. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a better night’s sleep.
