Sleep Apnea
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Sleep Apnea Treatments in Denver, CO
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
More than 40 million Americans are estimated to suffer from a sleep-breathing disorder, and 20 million suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that occurs when the airway temporarily collapses during sleep, preventing or restricting breathing for up to 10 seconds or more. Such events can occur several hundred times a night, severely disrupting a patient’s sleep. After one of these events, normal breathing starts again, sometimes with a loud snort, snore, or choking sound. OSA patients commonly suffer from low oxygen levels in the blood, high blood pressure, and an overall decrease in the quality of life due to daytime drowsiness and headaches.
How do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to disruptions in sleep quality and potentially serious health consequences. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Symptoms include:
- Loud Snoring
- Daytime Sleepiness
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Acid Reflux
- Morning Headaches
- Diabetes
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Restless Sleep
- Waking with a choking sensation
- Obesity or Large Neck Circumference
- Mouth Breathing
- Menopause
How Common is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea may be more common than you think. In many cases, Sleep Apnea will go untreated for years, which can lead to many more serious health complications down the road. According to the National Sleep Foundation:
- 1 in 4 men and 1 in 10 women suffer from some sleep apnea
- Some 17% of middle-aged people have moderate sleep apnea
- Middle-aged people with severe sleep apnea were 46% more likely to die of a heart attack
- There are more than 20 million OSA patients, only 5% of which have been diagnosed and treated
- Breathing problems for as little as 11 minutes a night double the risk of death.
Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that requires diagnosis by a sleep physician. Here at Aspen Dental, our doctors and team members have received specialized training to provide FDA-approved mandibular repositioning devices to patients to help manage their sleep-disordered breathing conditions. Diagnosing sleep apnea in Denver has traditionally been an expensive and inconvenient experience.
Our office works with the latest home sleep testing technology, which you can wear in your bed. The ARES (Apnea Risk Evaluation System) device collects physiological data and clinical history information, which a board-certified sleep physician diagnoses to determine the presence and severity of your sleep apnea. Working with the sleep physician and your primary care doctor, Dr. Rossow, Dr. Noce, and Dr. Neal will fabricate an appliance as your physicians ordered.
Common Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Navigating the world of sleep apnea treatments can feel overwhelming, but understanding the options available is the first step toward finding relief and achieving restful sleep. From tried-and-true methods to innovative solutions, there are several common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) designed to address the underlying causes and symptoms of this sleep disorder.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep. CPAP therapy helps prevent episodes of breathing cessation and promotes restful sleep by maintaining consistent airflow to the lungs.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is another treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, particularly for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. Oral appliances are custom-fitted mouthpieces worn during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open and preventing airway collapse. These devices are designed to slightly advance the lower jaw, which helps prevent airway obstruction and promotes unobstructed breathing throughout the night.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle modifications can be crucial in managing obstructive sleep apnea and improving sleep quality. Simple changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleeping on your side instead of your back can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. Losing weight can also help decrease the amount of fatty tissue in the neck and throat, reducing the risk of airway obstruction during sleep. Additionally, quitting smoking can improve overall respiratory health and reduce inflammation in the airway, contributing to better sleep quality.