Sleep apnea, a prevalent sleep disorder, arises when the upper airway is repeatedly obstructed during sleep, resulting in diminished or halted airflow. The most frequently encountered form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Disrupted sleep caused by obstructive sleep apnea can hinder daily activities and, if left untreated, can negatively affect numerous aspects of overall health. Various factors contribute to this condition, including:
Addressing sleep apnea may involve adopting healthier habits like regular exercise and proper nutrition to encourage weight loss, utilizing a CPAP machine, or employing oral appliances to adjust your sleeping posture.
Visiting your dentist can help you get a personalized oral appliance to help you alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Ignoring these issues can lead to further health complications, including heart disease and elevated blood pressure.
There is a wide range of symptoms you may experience if you have sleep apnea. You may have some, but not all, of the following symptoms:
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it's essential to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
​​In order to find out if you're suffering from sleep apnea, your primary healthcare provider will inquire about your sleep habits and patterns. If necessary, you may be referred to a specialized sleep center for further testing.Â
These tests typically require you to wear monitoring devices while you sleep, which track your breathing and heart rate. Your specific circumstances will dictate whether you need to spend the night at the sleep center for observation or if you can take the monitoring equipment home to assess your sleep there.Once your test results are available, your healthcare provider will determine if sleep apnea is present and devise a tailored treatment plan to address your needs.
There are several risk factors associated with sleep apnea, including:
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
The appropriate treatment for sleep apnea depends on the unique aspects of each individual case. After a thorough examination of your sleep patterns and test results, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Sleep apnea is a condition that can result in numerous health problems for both adults and children. It is essential to be aware of these complications in order to manage and address them effectively. The potential health complications associated with sleep apnea include:
By understanding the potential health complications associated with sleep apnea, it becomes crucial to seek appropriate treatment and management strategies to reduce the risk of these issues and improve overall health.
Black Point Dental offers treatment for patients dealing with sleep apnea. We offer comprehensive preventative dentistry, where custom night guards can be developed to help address airway obstruction issues during sleep.
Dr. Patrick Ferguson is a member of the Hawaii Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Board of Oral Implantology.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, call us at (808) 955-5922 or request an appointment online. You can also visit our office in Honolulu, HI.