Sleep Apnea Denver
What is Sleep Apnea?
You’ve probably heard of sleep apnea before and you may even be aware of some of the symptoms of the condition. When it comes to this condition, most people are oblivious to just how damaging it can be. What people don’t know is that when someone is suffering from it, they stop breathing hundreds of times a night. Wouldn’t you be worried if someone you knew suddenly stopped breathing randomly? Since this all takes place at night, many tend to be completely unaware of the problem and move on with their days, unaware of the damage being done to their bodies every night. These pauses in breathing can last anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute or longer before your brain awakens your body to resume breathing. This fragmented sleep over a long period of time wreaks havoc on our internal organs. In fact, it has been shown that untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may cause or contribute to problems with stroke, heart disease, and ultimately organ failure and death. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can significantly affect your quality of life. Call our highly trained sleep dentist today at (303) 691-0267.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can prevent breathing while you sleep, leading to unwanted symptoms and other health issues . The great news is treatment is available.
Sleep Apnea Types
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is daytime sleepiness, which is easily measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. If you think you may be suffering from it, you’ll want to consult a Denver sleep dentist as well as a sleep physician who will work together. The sleep physician will diagnose you, and our Denver office will offer you treatment options if you’re a suitable candidate. When it comes to such a condition, there are three different types that patients can suffer. It’s important to know the specific type you have so that the proper treatment can be administered to you.
The most commonly seen type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is caused by a blockage in the airway that disrupts the natural breathing pattern. This obstruction can be caused by various factors such as a poor sleeping position, genetics, obesity, and enlarged soft tissues such as the tonsils, adenoids, and the tongue. Conditions such as allergies and respiratory infections can also cause temporary OSA.
The second kind is central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain does not send or receive the proper signals to control breathing. This happens when there is an imbalance in the part of the brain known as the respiratory control center.
But people can have both types, and sometimes this is described as a third type, called either mixed or complex.
If you think you might have OSA, make an appointment with Dr. Berry for life-changing treatment.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
This sleeping disorder can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions. In fact, 80% of all patients go undiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and untreated. Make an appointment with your Denver sleep dentist, Dr. Kevin Berry, who focuses on dental sleep medicine and has the experience and abilities to treat your sleep disorder.
Some symptoms occur during the night, but others show themselves during the day. Monitor yourself for these symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Choking, coughing, or gasping for breath during sleep
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Daytime fatigue
If left untreated can contribute to conditions such as:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Obesity
- Depression and anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation
Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose, as many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to undergo a proper diagnostic assessment. We offer both home sleep studies and in-lab sleep studies to accurately diagnose your condition. Our team will work with your sleep physician to determine the severity and recommend the best course of action.
CPAP isn’t the only option for treatment
Rest With Quality & Safety Each Night
Don’t let sleep apnea put your life at risk each night. With advances in treatment, you no longer have to suffer. Effective options, such as CPAP and oral appliance therapy, can provide relief. Oral appliances, which reposition the jaw or tongue to keep your airway open, are a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP.
In addition to oral appliances, non-invasive treatments like positional therapy and weight loss can reduce symptoms. These options are worth exploring before considering surgery.
Treatment success relies on collaboration between a sleep physician and a sleep dentist. Once you begin treatment, follow-up care is essential to ensure continued effectiveness. Regular check-ups and sleep studies will help monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments, ensuring long-term success in managing your sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and TMJ
In some cases, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders may contribute to or exacerbate symptoms. Misalignment of the jaw can cause tension and obstruction in the airway. If you also experience jaw pain, headaches, or facial discomfort, it’s important to discuss how TMJ therapy may work alongside your sleep apnea treatment.
Get the Sleep You Deserve with Dr. Kevin Berry
Don’t let sleep apnea impact your health and well-being any longer. Dr. Kevin Berry offers effective treatments, including oral appliance therapy and other non-invasive solutions tailored to your needs. If you’re ready to improve your sleep and overall health, call (303) 691-0267 today to schedule your consultation. Let Dr. Berry help you breathe easier and sleep better, so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day!
