When a person suffers from bouts of interrupted sleep, it can often be the result of a condition known as sleep apnea. Affecting millions of people throughout the U.S., sleep apnea occurs when an individual stops breathing for 10 or more seconds at a time while asleep. This can happen hundreds of times each night, often resulting in chronic fatigue as well as problems associated with cardiovascular health. If left untreated, the dangerous condition can lead to worsening overall health problems that range from high blood pressure to diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Although many things can cause sleep apnea, the most common is obesity or being overweight. Individuals who have larger necks often experience difficulty breathing at night because of the additional fat accumulations pressing in on the throat. Also, large adenoids and tonsils as well as smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive snoring can lead to sleep-breathing problems that require treatment.
Not every person who has sleep apnea will experience all of the following symptoms; however, many of those listed are considered to be the most common:
To identify whether an individual is suffering from sleep apnea, a sleep test is required. This may involve visiting a specific lab that is dedicated to diagnosing sleep apnea or wearing a portable device while asleep at home. No matter the option recommended, the individual will be required to wear a specialized device that will closely monitor various components of their sleep patterns (i.e., heart rate, brain activity, breathing, etc.).
When finished with the sleep test, a qualified sleep professional will analyze the collected data to determine if sleep apnea is indeed the problem.
Learn More About Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
When it comes to treating sleep apnea, the most common method used by professionals is CPAP therapy. Short for continuous positive airway pressure, this device requires that an individual wear a mask over their nose and mouth so that air can be pumped into the airway, forcing it to remain open. Although effective in many cases, the bulkiness of the machine, as well as the discomfort many patients feel while wearing the mask, make it a less-than-attractive treatment option.
This is why our team at GoTo Sleep Center - Mesa offers oral appliance therapy (OAT). Portable and easy to use, these customized devices fit easily inside the mouth and allow the throat to remain open so that air can flow freely throughout the night.
Patients who snore loudly can minimize their symptoms thanks to oral appliance therapy. While it is true that not all who snore have sleep apnea, and vice versa, the reality is that loud snoring can be detrimental if left untreated. With an oral appliance, though, our team can help to improve not only a patient’s snoring but also their sleep apnea if it exists. As a result, this small mouthpiece will allow patients and their partners to get the restful night’s sleep they deserve.
Individuals who suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may require more than one type of treatment. In these cases, we may recommend combined therapy. This involves crafting a customized oral appliance that will be worn while the individual also wears a CPAP device. But instead of the pressurized air being pushed out at the highest setting, the CPAP machine remains on low while the oral appliance helps to keep the airway open.
This method of sleep apnea treatment in Mesa can be beneficial for many, especially since it reduces noise while asleep and makes it easier to travel because an OAT is portable and can be used without the CPAP.
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