Sleep Apnea. What You Need to Know to Get a Good Night's Rest

May 03, 2023, Laguna Family Dentistry Alex Kalmanovich D.D.S.

What is sleep apnea?

Are you having difficulty getting a good night's sleep? You may be suffering from a potentially serious sleep disorder called Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, sometimes for seconds or minutes. These pauses can cause your blood oxygen levels to drop dramatically, leading to serious health risks such as heart, lung, and neurological problems.

Types of sleep apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is more common, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked by the tongue or other parts of the upper throat. A disruption in communication between the brain and breathing muscles causes CSA.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Laguna Beach, CA can range from lifestyle changes to medical devices. Lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime may help reduce the risk of OSA. A breathing assistance device may be prescribed for more severe cases, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device helps keep the airways open during sleep by providing a steady flow of air pressure.

Other treatment options include dental devices that help keep the tongue from blocking the airway and surgical procedures to remove excess tissue in the throat or enlarge the airway. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat OSA.

Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

The benefits of treating sleep apnea include improved overall health and quality of life.

• Sleep apnea can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other related medical conditions.
• Sleep apnea treatment reduces these risks by helping to ensure you get a good night's sleep every night.
• Sleep apnea Treatment can help reduce snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, improve alertness and productivity during the day, and improve overall mood. It can also help reduce the number of car accidents caused by drowsy driving.

Treating sleep apnea may reduce your overall healthcare costs over time. If you think you may have sleep apnea, your first step should be to talk to your local dentist near you or doctor about getting tested for the condition.

If you live in Laguna Beach or nearby, you can contact Laguna Family Dentistry for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan for sleep apnea. Their team of experienced dentists in Laguna Beach is dedicated to helping you find the best solution for your sleep apnea.

You can also search online for "sleep apnea near me" or "dentist near me" to find local specialists who can help with diagnosis and treatment options for this common sleep disorder.

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