Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment
Snoring is not only a disruption for others. It could also be a sign of a serious sleep disorder. When episodes of breathing cessation occur while sleeping, this is called sleep apnea. It can be a dangerous condition with serious health implications, including death. Snoring is one symptom associated with sleep apnea and can alert those with this condition that they may need treatment. If you live in the Smyrna or Sandy Springs area and frequently snore, Dr. Wayne Suway DDS, MAGD, D.ABDSM, offers effective treatments for snoring and sleep apnea.
While there are several types of sleep apnea, the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. This occurs when the tongue or tissues in the back of the mouth cause a blockage over the airway when sleeping. Breathing can stop for up to 90 seconds, causing disruption in sleep as the body gasps for air and adjusts to remove the obstruction. Those with obstructive sleep apnea may snore and gasp throughout the night, impacting their quality of sleep. The noises caused by OSA can also disrupt the sleep of anyone near, causing restless nights for others in the household.
Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the most noticeable symptom of OSA, but it is far from the most serious symptom or risk of this sleeping disorder. Those with OSA can stop breathing hundreds of times per night, causing stress on the heart and other organs. Sleep apnea causes the person to partially wake up with each episode, reducing the REM level of sleep. Even after eight hours of rest, sleep apnea sufferers can wake up tired and fatigued. They may have headaches, memory dysfunction and acid reflux. More concerning is the serious health risks, including:
- Stroke
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Sudden cardiac death
It is vital that those with sleep apnea seek a medical diagnosis and treatment. For those who live in Sandy Springs or Smyrna, Dr. Suway offers comprehensive exams and testing for obstructive sleep apnea and effective treatment options.
Diagnosing OSA
Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but not all people that snore have OSA. The key indicator of OSA is the cessation of breathing throughout the night. To diagnose this condition, you must monitor the breathing throughout the night and determine whether blockages of the airway are occurring.
Dr. Suway uses both a physical examination and testing to determine whether his patients suffer from OSA. He performs an exam and collects data from his patient, looking for indicators of sleep apnea. He also has his patients complete a sleep study with a home testing unit. This can monitor breathing patterns and indicate whether a patient has OSA.
Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Though some people use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to treat sleep apnea, these devices can be too restrictive and cause other sleep disruptions. Dr. Suway offers another effective treatment option with a customized intraoral device, similar to a mouthguard, which adjusts the jaw and reduces obstructions. Each device is customized to fit the mouth of the patient for comfort and effectiveness, keeping the airway open and stopping snoring for a healthy, restful night of sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous health condition that needs treatment to limit risks. If you live in the Smyrna or Sandy Springs area and suffer from OSA or snoring, schedule an appointment for a diagnostic exam with Dr. Wayne Suway in Atlanta. He is a master dentist that can offer advanced dentistry treatments for sleep apnea to protect your health and improve your quality of life.
