Sleep Apnea Treatment in Daytona Beach
No matter how early you go to bed, you still feel exhausted the next day. On top of that, your bed partner has been complaining about your loud snoring lately. Could these be warning signs of sleep apnea? If so, you’ll want to act quickly to treat the disorder so you can get a good night’s sleep again. Once your sleep apnea is diagnosed, our team can help you treat it with a customized oral appliance. To learn more about improving the quality of your sleep, give us a call.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. While it can sometimes result from the brain failing to send proper signals to the breathing muscles, more often it’s caused by a physical obstruction of the airway, which happens when the muscles in the throat or back of the mouth collapse.
These pauses in breathing can briefly wake your body throughout the night, meaning you aren’t getting the rest you need. Sleep apnea is associated with symptoms including loud snoring, chronic tiredness, morning headaches, and memory problems.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, you may feel unusually drowsy during the day, which can be dangerous while driving or operating machinery. You may also notice trouble focusing or symptoms of depression. Beyond that, sleep apnea can raise your risk of serious medical problems, including heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues, which is why prompt treatment matters.
At-Home Sleep Testing
Before treating sleep apnea, you’ll need a sleep test, which can often be completed in the comfort of your own home. A special device uses sensors to track your breathing, oxygen levels, and more. Once complete, a sleep expert reviews the results to determine whether you have sleep apnea, and you can then explore treatment options.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
CPAP therapy is the most well-known option for treating sleep-disordered breathing, but if you’re looking for an alternative, ask our team about an oral appliance. Wearing this appliance changes the position of your jaw and helps keep your airway clear throughout the night, making it less likely your breathing will be interrupted and letting you get the quality sleep you deserve.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Does everyone who snores have sleep apnea?
No. Snoring is one possible symptom, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. If you snore loudly on a regular basis, a sleep study can help confirm whether sleep apnea is the cause.
Can I diagnose sleep apnea on my own?
No. Noticing signs of sleep apnea, even with the help of a smartwatch, doesn’t confirm a diagnosis. A sleep test is needed to determine the type and severity of sleep apnea so treatment can be tailored to your needs.
Why should I see a dentist for sleep apnea treatment?
Dentists are experts in the upper respiratory area, and with obstructive sleep apnea, tissues in the mouth and throat can block the airway. A dentist can help reposition the lower jaw during sleep to keep the airway clear, and since many patients already see their dentist every six months, it’s a convenient place to address the issue.
Are there at-home remedies for sleep apnea?
Some habits, like avoiding bright screens before bed and staying active during the day, can help minimize symptoms, but professional treatment, such as oral appliance therapy or CPAP therapy, targets the underlying cause and offers more lasting relief.
How does an oral appliance compare to CPAP therapy?
An oral appliance is often smaller, quieter, and more comfortable for travel than a CPAP machine, making it a preferred option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who struggle to tolerate CPAP.
How do I get started with sleep apnea treatment?
Contact our Daytona Beach, FL office to discuss your symptoms. We’ll help coordinate a sleep test if needed and discuss whether an oral appliance is a good fit for your treatment plan.