Receive the Restful Sleep You Deserve
If you suffer from insomnia, excessive snoring, daytime fatigue, and other problems that typically accompany sleep deprivation, you know how agonizing it can be. Obstructive sleep apnea is especially frustrating, as it can affect others in your life as well as you. Symptoms of sleep apnea can leave you and your partner feeling exhausted in the morning, making it difficult to have a productive, enjoyable day.
Fortunately, at New Image Dental, we can help patients with sleep apnea get the restful sleep they deserve. If you’ve been suffering from sleep apnea in Streamwood or Chicago, IL, Dr. Brian J. Fitz, our resident dentist and sleep expert, would love to meet you.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that interferes with your ability to breathe, causing repeated interruptions of sleep throughout the night. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your airway becomes obstructed while you sleep and signals your brain to consistently wake you up for air. Most patients don’t remember waking up, which can make it difficult to know when they need treatment.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences. If you suspect you may be struggling with this sleep disorder, Dr. Fitz and the rest of our team at New Image Dental can help you treat it. Read on to see if sleep apnea treatment may be right for you.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is often diagnosed by disrupted sleep, but it has many other symptoms. Some sleep apnea symptoms you might not be aware of include:
- Loud, disruptive snoring
- Gasping for air or choking during the night
- Daytime drowsiness
- Excessive fatigue even after you have slept
- Waking up with a headache
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Difficulty concentrating at work or on tasks
- Short-term memory loss
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with our Streamwood sleep dentist for an evaluation.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Patients of any age can develop sleep apnea. However, there are certain risk factors that have been associated with the disorder. The most common include:
- Obesity, or carrying excess weight
- Thick neck circumference
- Genetics
- Being over the age of 40
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Tobacco usage
- Gender (Men tend to have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea)
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
While there’s no cure for sleep apnea, there are several sleep apnea treatment options that can help you breathe better at night. The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fitz so he can assess your symptoms. After that, you can decide on a treatment plan together.
Our sleep apnea treatments include:
CPAP Machine
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is a device with a fitted mask you wear at night to help you sleep. CPAP machines have been used for sleep apnea treatment since the early 1980s, and they allow sleep apnea patients to avoid undergoing a tracheostomy to be able to breathe better.
Oral Appliances
One alternative to a CPAP for sleep apnea treatment is an oral appliance. For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, these devices are used to prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and advance the lower jaw forward.
Your oral appliance will help keep your airways open while you sleep and is customized specifically for you. Dr. Fitz will help determine if this is the best treatment option for you.
Natural Treatment
If you have a mild case of sleep apnea, you may be able to treat it without a CPAP machine or an oral appliance. This typically involves making some lifestyle changes, such as:
- Avoiding alcohol and any medication that makes you drowsy
- Maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight if necessary
- Quitting smoking
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back or stomach
- Trying tongue exercises, also known as orofacial therapy
Even if you suspect your sleep apnea is mild, it’s still important to receive a proper diagnosis. This allows Dr. Fritz to recommend the best treatment option to help you regain a better night’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea Treatment at New Image Dental
Dr. Fitz and the rest of our team at New Image Dental are happy to help you treat your sleep apnea. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea symptoms in Streamwood or Chicago, IL, don’t wait to seek treatment. Call us today at (630) 837-0887 or fill out an online contact form and a member of our staff will reach out as soon as we can.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
How can I know for sure if I have sleep apnea?
While sleep apnea has some telltale symptoms, the only way to know for sure is to undergo a sleep study. Making an appointment with a trusted sleep dentist like Dr. Fitz will help your journey to a better night’s sleep.
What are the complications of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can cause quite a few health complications. When your breathing is interrupted, the oxygen levels in your blood drop, straining your cardiovascular system and making your heart work harder. People with sleep apnea have a higher risk of irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular issues.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, accidents at work or on the road, and more.
Is there a cure for obstructive sleep apnea?
There is no official cure for sleep apnea. However, several forms of sleep apnea treatment are available, and patients can also try natural remedies like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking.
