Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects billions of people around the world. Unfortunately, many who suffer, aren’t even aware that they are waking up 20 or more times every hour every night.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Referred to as OSA, obstructive sleep apnea causes sufferers to stop and start sleeping several times while they sleep. Because the throat is so relaxed, the muscles in the back relax. So much so that you can’t breathe because your airways are blocked.
Signs and Symptoms of OSA
Loud snoring, although not everyone who snores suffers from OSA
- Tired all the time
- Observed breathing cessation while sleeping
- Waking up abruptly
- Waking with a dry or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Concentration difficulties
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Mood swings
Obstructive sleep apnea can become serious if left untreated and can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, and even heart attack.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatments
CPAP Therapy
The most highly recommended treatment for OSA is CPAP therapy. Continuous Airway Pressure therapy uses a machine that forces air through a tube and mask into your throat helping your airways stay open while you sleep. Although this does work, it is often too uncomfortable to continue with. As you can imagine, some people with OSA give up on CPAP therapy completely.
Oral Appliance Therapy
One of the best solutions for obstructive sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. As preferred and trained oral appliance therapy providers, the team from Forest Dental Center offer the Moses oral appliance that keeps your tongue from blocking your airways helping you breathe at night. This type of therapy is recommended for patients who have mild obstructive sleep apnea.
If you would like more information regarding oral appliance therapy, schedule a consultation with Forest Dental Center who can suggest the best solution for your OSA.