WHAT IS
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)
Approximately 25 million adults in the US suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a chronic condition with symptoms such as loud snoring and constant waking during the night-up to as much as 50 times per hour. Symptoms of sleep apnea also include:
RESTLESS SLEEP
WAKING UP WITH A DRY OR SORE THROAT
LACK OF ENERGY, DAYTIME FATIGUE
MORNING HEADACHES
MOOD CHANGES, IRRITABILITY OR DEPRESSION
SLEEPINESS WHILE DRIVING
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WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE LOUD SNORING
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and narrow the airway, causing it to close up as you breath in. As a result, you are unable to get enough air, which can lower the oxygen level in your blood. Your brain then senses you are not able to breath and wakes you in order to reopen your airway. This pattern continues throughout the night keeping you from getting quality sleep. In addition, the blocked airway also causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the snoring sound, which in turn can keep your sleeping partner from getting a good night’s sleep, as well.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE LOUD SNORING
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and narrow the airway, causing it to close up as you breath in. As a result, you are unable to get enough air, which can lower the oxygen level in your blood. Your brain then senses you are not able to breath and wakes you in order to reopen your airway. This pattern continues throughout the night keeping you from getting quality sleep. In addition, the blocked airway also causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing the snoring sound, which in turn can keep your sleeping partner from getting a good night’s sleep, as well.
OTHER DANGERS OF SLEEP APNEA
COMMON CAUSES
There are certain conditions that can increase your risk of sleep apnea, such as:
- Obesity
- Thicker neck circumference
- Narrowed airway due to tonsils or adenoids
- Use of alcohol or sedatives-substances that relax the muscles in the throat
- Smoking-smokers are three times more likely to have OSA
- Male gender-men are two to three times more likely to have OSA
HEALTH RISKS
OSA doesn’t only rob you of quality sleep, it can also increase your risk for serious health problems when left untreated, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. In addition, sleep apnea sufferers may experience the following health issues:
- Memory loss and mental confusion
- Acid reflux
- Adult asthma
- Weakened immune system
- High blood pressure
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!
CALL US TODAY! 360-979-1537
WAKE UP TO BETTER SLEEP
Your complete guide to understanding sleep apnea
Receive a copy of Dr. Kushner’s book, Wake Up to Better Sleep, at your first appointment.
RELIEF IS AVAILABLE
There is good news, though. We have a solution for sleep apnea sufferers that can help them sleep better and improve their quality of life. Oral appliances are a treatment we use for adults who can not tolerate CPAP therapy or would like an alternate therapy.
Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear the oral appliance only at night during sleep. They support your jaw in a forward position to help maintain and open upper airway. Many patients find the oral appliance more comfortable than a CPAP mask. Additional benefits of an oral appliance include easy portability, no associated noise and they are easy to care for. They are an optimal choice for patients for travel often or enjoy outdoor activities.
