What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

Getting healthy sleep is essential for your health. If you or a loved one suffers from loud snoring and/or other signs of Sleep Apnea, talk with your doctor to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options.

If untreated, obstructive Sleep Apnea can lead to serious problems. It increases your risk for heart damage and heart failure because of frequent decreases in blood oxygen levels. It can also increase your blood pressure, which can cause strokes, heart attacks and erratic heart rhythms. Sleep apnea can also make you more drowsy during the day, and it can raise your risk for accidents and depression.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health and Dental Treatment Options

People of all ages can have sleep apnea. But it’s more common in adults, especially men. The condition may run in families, and it’s more likely to occur if you have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, diabetes or a family history of cleft lip and cleft palate external link and Down syndrome. It’s also more common if you have large tonsils, a thick neck, or other throat features that narrow your upper airway.

Lifestyle changes, oral or breathing devices, and surgery can help treat sleep apnea. Some of these treatments can also help reduce snoring. Your doctor may recommend upper airway stimulation (UAS), a device that uses a small electrical current to stimulate your tongue muscles and keep your airway open. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery. This includes uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, in which surgeons remove the soft tissue in the back of your throat, including the tonsils and a triangular piece of tissue hanging from the back of your throat called the uvula.