Posted on Sunday, September 15th, 2024 at 6:49 pm
Sleep apnea is a severe health condition that can have life-threatening complications without proper treatment. Unfortunately, many people with sleep apnea may not know they have it.
A study from the UK found that up to 80 percent of people living with sleep apnea don’t know they have a sleep disorder. Without a proper diagnosis, patients can treat their illness and may live for years with the effects of sleep apnea. If you struggle to get a good night’s rest, you may have sleep apnea, and you’ll find essential information on this condition below.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can last for several seconds and may happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. Another type, central sleep apnea, happens when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to control breathing during sleep.
Untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact a person’s health and well-being. Over time, it can lead to chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. People with sleep apnea often struggle with concentration and memory problems, and they may experience mood changes, including irritability and depression. In severe cases, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of accidents due to drowsy driving or reduced alertness during the day.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Studies suggest obstructive sleep apnea affects 13 percent of men and 6 percent of women worldwide, yet many people fail to recognize its symptoms. If you experience one or more of these symptoms regularly, you may have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring – Frequent, loud snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, especially if it’s interrupted by pauses in breathing.
- Gasping or choking during sleep – People with sleep apnea often wake up suddenly feeling like they’re gasping for air or choking.
- Daytime fatigue – Even after a full night’s sleep, people with sleep apnea often feel tired throughout the day.
- Morning headaches – Frequent headaches upon waking are often a sign of disrupted breathing during the night.
- Difficulty concentrating – Trouble focusing or forgetfulness can occur among sleep apnea patients due to poor sleep quality.
- Irritability or mood changes – Sleep apnea can lead to irritability, mood swings, and even depression.
Ways To Treat Sleep Apnea
While a CPAP machine is the standard treatment for sleep apnea, many people find it uncomfortable to use every night. Fortunately, there’s an effective alternative: custom oral appliances.
At Silent Night Therapy, we use these custom-fitted devices to gently adjust the position of your jaw while you sleep, helping to keep your airway open. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, portable, and easy to use, making them a more comfortable option for many people. These appliances can significantly reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. Since they don’t require electricity or a complex setup, they are especially convenient for travel.
Contact Silent Night Therapy Today To Enjoy Better Sleep
With a custom oral appliance from Silent Night Therapy, you can enjoy better sleep without the discomfort of bulky CPAP equipment, improving both your rest and overall health. Call 631-983-2463 now for an appointment.