Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder among adults. It happens when a person experiences a pause in breathing, or shallow breaths, while sleeping. Sleep apnea, apnea meaning no breathing, can happen five to thirty times inside an hour. It’s a very damaging, disruptive interruption to the natural sleep cycle. Experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea? You’re not alone. Classified as a disorder, sleep apnea affects over 70 million Americans today, while 2-4% of Americans are estimated to have undiagnosed sleep apnea.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Did you know that frequent snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea? Another common symptom is tiredness during the day that won’t leave, no matter how many energy drinks or cups of coffee you consume. There are several other symptoms as well, listed below for reference. It may be difficult to find out if you have these symptoms since you’ll be sleeping while they happen, so ask a friend or spouse to keep an eye on you during the night.

Here are some symptoms of sleep apnea:
• Loud, chronic snorting
• Gasping, choking, snorting during sleep
• Long pauses while sleeping
• Fatigue and constant sleepiness during the daytime

Not sure if you simply snore loudly or if you have a symptom of sleep apnea? Remember, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea; and not everyone with sleep apnea may nore. One sign to distinguish snoring from sleep apnea is if you are constantly tired throughout the day.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

You’ve probably heard about CPAP, or a continuous positive airway pressure machine that resembles a face mask and is used for treating sleep apnea. But what you might not know about are the alternatives offered now by dentists for sleep apnea treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been using a CPAP machine, but over time have found that due to noise or feelings of claustrophobia you are unable to tolerate your CPAP, there is now another treatment option.

In some dental offices, they provide treatment specifically for sleep apnea. The oral appliances used by dentists for sleep apnea are as simple as a pair of dental trays that work to hold the lower jaw forward, holding the tongue off the airway and expanding the breathing passageway. No noise, straps, or cumbersome machine.

So, if you already use a CPAP machine and are looking for an alternative treatment, or think you might have sleep apnea but have not been diagnosed yet, you can call Dr. Anthony Kohler’s office at 480-732-7874 for a free consultation.

For more information about sleep apnea call (480) 732-7874...or request free information by filling out the form on the left.