Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Q & A

What is sleep apnea?

Between a third and a half of all adult Americans snore or have snored at some point, but snoring — even chronically — is not necessarily indicative of sleep apnea. The difference between benign snoring and sleep apnea is that apnea patients experience cessations in their breathing patterns and may suddenly gasp for air or choke in their sleep.

Sleep apnea can lead to severe drowsiness and fatigue during the day, as well as depression, memory loss, and decreased libido.

Do I need treatment for sleep apnea or snoring?

You may need treatment for snoring if the condition is disrupting the sleep of your partner or other people who live with you.

You definitely need treatment for sleep apnea if you or your partner notice some of the more dangerous symptoms of this condition, namely a cessation in your breathing throughout the night.

What should I expect during treatment for sleep apnea or snoring?

Your treatment depends on the extent of your symptoms. In mild to moderate cases, the dentists at Skyview Dentistry use conservative approaches at first, such as lifestyle changes and sleep modifications.

If you don’t respond to these methods, your dentist may fit you with an oral appliance, give you a pressurized airflow mask, or otherwise advise you to undergo surgery to open up your airway.

Are there any steps I need to take to improve my outcome?

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), one of the most effective ways of alleviating sleep apnea and snoring is to lose weight. The AAOMS suggests that losing just 10 pounds can be enough to help open up your airways and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Other ways of preventing the condition include changing your sleep position, avoiding tobacco products, and maintaining regular sleeping habits. Some patients find it beneficial to sleep with their heads propped up, whereas others find relief by sleeping with a tennis ball tucked under their backs.

To help everyone sleep easier at night, call Skyview Dentistry to learn more about the treatments for sleep apnea. Or you can use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment.