OSA Treatment Options

Are you struggling with snoring and sleepless nights? Do you wake up with morning headaches and still feel tired throughout the day? If so, you may be experiencing some form of sleep-related breathing disorder. Snoring isn’t uncommon among Americans as millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders such as chronic snoring. Though people joke that snoring is a sign of a good night’s rest, chronic loud snoring could be a tell-tale sign that a person may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition that occurs when your muscles relax during sleep. This allows for soft tissue to collapse and block your airway which results in reduced oxygen levels. The lack of airflow can last only a few seconds or up to a few minutes. These low oxygen levels cause the body to wake up throughout the night to regain airflow and may result in snorting, gasping, or choking to restore oxygen levels. A person with sleep apnea may wake up an overage of 30 times an hour with no memory of it. Chronic low oxygen levels can cause irreversible brain damage, heart attack, and stroke.

Common causes of sleep apnea include a misaligned or small jaw, tongue with scalloped edges, excess body weight, or a narrow airway. Aside from excessive snoring and tooth grinding, other symptoms that are associated with sleep apnea include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Irritability
• Lack of energy
• Poor memory
• Headaches
• Increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
• Obesity
• Sexual dysfunction

CPAP Machine

The most common treatment option for sleep apnea is a CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy machine. The CPAP machine keeps the airway open by pushing air into a nasal mask through flexible tubing. This constant pressure prevents soft tissue from collapsing and maintains an open airway. Though highly effective, it can be difficult and take time for patients to adjust. Some patients report feelings of claustrophobia, dry nasal passages, difficulty tolerating pressurized air, or the mask shifting during sleep.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is a solution for mild to moderate cases of sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea. These appliances are custom made as no two smiles are the same. These appliances push your jaw into a forward position and help to keep it open to prevent soft tissues from blocking the airflow while you sleep.

Oral appliances are a comfortable and easy solution for managing sleep apnea and snoring. It is great for those who have otherwise great oral health or are unable to tolerate a CPAP machine. This form of treatment can be more convenient and comfortable for some patients compared to the CPAP machine. However, some patients may experience jaw pain or soreness, tender teeth and gums, dry mouth, damaged bite, and loosening of dental restorations.

The quality of your sleep has a dramatic impact on your health, wellbeing, and quality of life. If you think you have sleep apnea or would like to learn more about how we can help you achieve a better night’s rest, contact Dr. Jamila Battle today.