Did you know that sleep apnea can rob you of a good night’s sleep? The condition can lead sufferers to feel groggy and irritable during waking hours as if they can never get enough rest. But it can have a lot more dangerous consequences than daytime fatigue. May is Better Sleep Month and provides an ideal opportunity for Dr. Laurence C. Breiterman to raise awareness about sleep apnea in Wayne, NJ, and provide information about available treatments.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which you stop breathing during sleep. This pause may only last a few seconds at a time but can occur hundreds of times a night. It deprives your body and your brain of oxygen. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and is often the result of soft tissue blocking the airway, making it difficult (snoring) or impossible for air to pass through the nose or mouth and into the lungs. This can be due to excess tissue, a relaxed throat, or your tongue. Without treatment, sleep apnea can increase the risk for depression, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even a shortened lifespan.
What are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
- Snoring
- Loud choking noises
- Falling asleep during the day
- Grogginess/brain fog
- Headaches upon waking
- Irritability
Treatments to Relieve Sleep apnea
The most well-known treatment is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. It provides a continuous stream of air to the throat via a mask. While it is very effective, many patients do not like the feel of the mask.
There is another method, oral appliance therapy. Dr. Breiterman recommends the MicrO2™ for patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP. The MicrO2 is an appliance worn in the mouth when you sleep. It is adjustable and soft yet durable, and leaves plenty of room for your tongue to relax comfortably. Patients who opt for this oral appliance therapy have a custom appliance created to fit, which is worn during the night.
Do you feel tired after eight hours of sleep? Or does your spouse complain that you snore loudly? Consider contacting our office to learn whether you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Laurence C. Breiterman for sleep apnea in Wayne, NJ, today.
