Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects your breathing throughout the night, causing disruptions that prevent you from getting restful, uninterrupted sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic fatigue. At Newport Beach Dental Solutions, we offer comprehensive sleep apnea treatments to help you breathe easier and improve your overall quality of life. Ready to take control of your sleep? Contact our office in Newport Beach, CA today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This disruption results in reduced oxygen levels and disturbed sleep cycles. The condition often goes unnoticed by the person suffering from it, but it can have a major impact on both sleep quality and general health. Most individuals with sleep apnea experience these breathing lapses dozens or even hundreds of times each night, leading to poor sleep and serious health risks.
Types Of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway.
- Central sleep apnea: In this type, the brain doesn’t send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to interrupted breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this form is a combination of OSA and central sleep apnea, often occurring when treatment for OSA reveals central sleep apnea symptoms.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can manifest in a variety of ways. Common symptoms include:
- Loud snoring: Often one of the first signs of sleep apnea.
- Gasping or choking during sleep: You may wake up gasping for air due to a lack of oxygen.
- Frequent awakenings: Even if you don’t remember waking up, the condition disrupts your sleep cycles.
- Daytime fatigue: Feeling excessively tired during the day, even after a full night of sleep.
- Difficulty focusing: Sleep apnea can lead to difficulty concentrating and reduced cognitive function.
- Morning headaches: Frequent headaches upon waking are common among those with sleep apnea.
- Irritability or mood swings: The lack of quality sleep can lead to changes in mood and irritability.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care to determine if sleep apnea is the cause.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
A proper diagnosis is crucial for effectively treating sleep apnea. Diagnostic methods typically include:
- Sleep studies: Conducted at a sleep center where your sleep patterns, breathing, and oxygen levels are monitored overnight.
- Home sleep tests: For convenience, some patients can use at-home sleep testing kits, which track sleep patterns and breathing in the comfort of your own home.
These tests help to accurately diagnose the severity of your sleep apnea and determine the best course of treatment.
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea, including:
- Excess weight: Individuals who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea due to excess fatty tissue around the airway.
- Age: Sleep apnea is more common in older adults.
- Gender: Men are more likely to experience sleep apnea than women, although it can affect anyone.
- Family history: A family history of sleep apnea increases your risk.
- Nasal congestion: Chronic nasal congestion can block your airway, making sleep apnea more likely.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of sleep apnea by causing inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
Understanding your risk factors can help you make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.
Health Risks Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to significant health complications. Risks of untreated sleep apnea include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Repeated drops in oxygen levels can increase blood pressure, leading to hypertension.
- Heart disease: Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms.
- Stroke: Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke due to irregular oxygen levels and cardiovascular strain.
- Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea can contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
- Daytime fatigue: Ongoing fatigue from poor sleep can impair your ability to function during the day.
- Mood disorders: Sleep apnea is linked to depression, anxiety, and irritability due to the chronic disruption of sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Common treatments for sleep apnea include:
- Lifestyle changes: For mild cases, losing weight, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping on your side can alleviate symptoms.
- CPAP therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices use mild air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. This is often the first line of treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
- Oral appliances: Custom-made devices that reposition your jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. These are comfortable and effective for those who prefer a non-invasive solution.
Narval™ CC Oral Appliance
One of the most advanced treatment options available is the Narval CC Oral Appliance. This custom-made mandibular repositioning device (MRD) is specifically designed to prevent airway collapse during sleep by gently moving the jaw forward. The Narval CC is unique because it’s the first and only custom-made MRD on the market, offering both comfort and highly effective treatment.
- Custom-fit: Tailored specifically to each patient’s needs for maximum comfort.
- Non-invasive: A convenient alternative to CPAP machines for patients seeking a more discreet solution.
- Effective: Clinically proven to significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Breathe Easier & Sleep Better With Sleep Apnea Treatment
Don’t let sleep apnea control your life. At Newport Beach Dental Solutions, our trusted providers are committed to offering cutting-edge solutions to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life. With options like the Narval CC Oral Appliance, you can enjoy restful sleep without the complications of untreated sleep apnea. Take the next step to reclaim your nights and your health—schedule your consultation today at our Newport Beach, CA office!