Sleep Apnea and Snoring
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is often portrayed, as only a sleep disorder, this is misleading. Sleep apnea not only changes the way you sleep and daytime concentration, its effects extend to the entire body and are more serious than a few sleepless nights.
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In reality sleep apnea is a serious chronic health condition. Like high cholesterol, heart disease, or severe obesity, sleep apnea impacts your health and degrades your quality of life.
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Sleep apnea may be fatal if left untreated.
Sleep Apnea Impacts the Body
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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM - high blood pressure and risk of heart disease
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BRAIN - stroke risk and Alzheimers, decreased concentration and memory
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EMOTIONS - less emotionally cognizant, and prone to depression, plus mood swings
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METABOLIC SYSTEM - diabetes risk
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SEXUAL FUNCTION - sexual dysfunction and lowered libido
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WEIGHT - overeating and putting on extra pounds
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ACCIDENTS - likely to experience an automobile crash
Sleep apnea explained.
Perhaps your room-mate says; "I notice there are times you stop breathing while you sleep..."
Is it really OK to stop breathing - ever?
Sleep Apnea Expert - Dr. Snyder
A holistic approach.
"What the patients really love - is that I sit down to really find out what's happening."
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Sleep Apnea Expert - Dr. Snyder
Types of Sleep Apnea
The 3 main types of sleep apnea are:
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Obstructive - this most common form is experienced when throat muscles relax
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Central - occurs when our brain sends improper signals to the muscles that control breathing
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Complex - happens when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea
Looks like this...
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep, causing fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels.
The "apnea" in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least ten seconds this occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.
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Sleep apnea testimonial.
"The first visit was an in depth evaluation by Dr. Beth, where she spent an hour and a half with me talking about my entire medical condition, my medical history - not just my apnea."
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- Beth, Sleep Apnea Patient
Do You have Sleep Apnea?
Begin with the Stop Bang - Sleep Apnea Quiz below.
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If your score is 4 or higher, please call our office and make an appointment for a comprehensive exam.
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The doctor will take a CBCT scan (a low dose CAT scan) to evaluate your airway and anatomy. If you need a sleep study at a center or an at home sleep kit that will be determined during your consultation or exam.
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When the study is completed we will discuss the results and explore treatment options together.
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Pretty simple, only a few steps to a better nights sleep and a healthier life!
Treatment Options
THIS...
- VERSES -
THIS?
Ready to ditch your CPAP? Now you have choices. Most mild to moderate sleep apnea patients can be treated with a customized oral appliance, supporting the jaw and related tissues in a gently forward position.
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These appliances are extremely effective in eliminating snoring and reducing apnec events, ensuring easy breathing, and allowing the wearer to sleep comfortably. We have a variety of devices to choose from to fit your personal needs.
For severe cases of Sleep Apnea a CPAP would need to be prescribed, perhaps even in conjunction with an oral appliance if necessary. Not everyone who is prescribed a CPAP is able to wear it, and there are very good reasons many people are non-compliant. A sleep appliance is an effective alternative treatment to reducing your apnea events.
