Sleep Apnea: What is It and How Can It Be Treated?

Are you tired of feeling fatigued and groggy during the day, despite getting a full night's sleep? Do you think you wake up multiple times in the night with extreme difficulty in breathing? In a previous blog post, we discussed 5 things to do to prevent sleep apnea in Cary. However, here in this blog post, We will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments of sleep apnea to help you improve your and your family member's sleep and overall health.

You may be affected by sleep apnea, a dangerous sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Sleep apnea in Cary can severely affect your quality of life and overall health. But what exactly is sleep apnea, and how can it be treated?

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea in Raleigh is a severe sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide. Having apnea would mean repeated episodes of breathing interruption during your sleep. These breathing pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to over a minute and occur hundreds of times per night. As a result, you could wake up feeling tired, even though you seem to have slept a whole night's sleep. Anyone, including infants, children, and the elderly, can suffer from sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

The most common symptoms include

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Difficulty paying attention
• Memory problems

People with sleep apnea in Cary also have a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

  As the most common form of apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to maintain the airway open, causing breathing to cease for short periods. A large tongue or tonsils, obesity, a deviated septum, or a small jaw can cause OSA.

• Central Sleep Apnea:

  Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA is often caused by heart failure, stroke, or other medical conditions.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Raleigh:

In Raleigh, a general dentist can help treat sleep apnea by finding the best solution depending on how and what type of sleep apnea a person has.

One standard treatment option is the use of an oral appliance. These devices, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), reposition the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open. They are custom-fitted to the patient's mouth and worn during sleep.

Another option is to use orthodontic treatment to correct any dental issues contributing to sleep apnea. Additionally, general dentists can help identify the causes of sleep apnea and refer patients to a sleep physician for further evaluation and treatment.

Are You Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

If you're experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea in Cary, don't wait to get the ideal method to cure sleep apnea. Talk to our sleep specialist, Dr. Charles Ferzli - TMJ, about your concerns and get a proper diagnosis. Getting the right treatment can help you sleep well and feel refreshed and energized during the day.

Schedule your appointment today for a good night's sleep! Or book a consultation by dialing us at (919) 323-4000 right away.