If you’re wondering why you or your partner snores a lot, there’s a good chance that the issue could be sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects up to 18 million Americans according to the National Sleep Foundation, and many of them don’t even know it. Find out all you need to know about sleep apnea treatment at Parker Dentistry in Hollywood, FL.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Many cases of loud and uncontrollable snoring at night are caused by undiagnosed sleep apnea. This is a condition that makes it difficult for air to make its way smoothly through the breathing passageways. The muscles located at the back of the mouth allow tissue to cover the passageway when you’re sleeping. You may wake up dozens of times per hour, due to the lack of air, but don’t realize it.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
There are a few signals or symptoms that you may need sleep apnea treatment. Here are the most common signs:
- Tiredness even after 8 hours of sleep.
- Falling asleep in the middle of the day.
- Chronic, unexplained fatigue.
- Reports from a partner of loud snoring and frequent wake-ups.
- Confusion and memory problems during the day.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep specialist, you may be wondering what can be done to treat your condition. One option is a custom oral appliance that can be created for you at the dentist’s office. It helps move the jaw and tongue into a more favorable position while sleeping. When you wear this device at night, it helps keep the passageway open so that you can breathe. It may be a preferred alternative to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which is uncomfortable for some patients to wear when they’re sleeping.
No More Trouble Sleeping
After a couple of visits to Parker Dentistry in Hollywood, FL, you'll have a custom sleep apnea device you can wear at night that will allow you to sleep with minimal snoring and interruptions. Call 954-983-5450 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephen Parker or Dr. Blake Parker.