Sleep Apnea
Barrie, Ontario - Canada
If you have been told that you snore loudly or make frequent gasping noises when you sleep, it is very possible that you have a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when you continually stop breathing for as little as 10 seconds or as long as one minute or more during your sleep session. Over an 8-hour sleeping period, you could potentially stop breathing hundreds of times.
It is often necessary for you to visit a sleep study clinic to be properly diagnosed with sleep apnea. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Adam Chapnick is fully educated to treat snoring and moderate sleep apnea in patients whose condition has been confirmed by a physician. Through sleep apnea treatment, he can help you not only sleep more soundly but also feel better during your waking hours.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The most common type of sleep apnea occurs when your airway (trachea) becomes completely blocked so no air can move into your lungs. Called obstructive sleep apnea, it usually begins with your airway becoming partially blocked, causing you to snore. As your airway closes entirely, you stop breathing. The lack of oxygen to your brain signals you to wake up so you can breathe again, even though you may not consciously remember waking up to take a breath.
As this process is repeated throughout the night, what you will notice in the daytime hours are the effects of sleep apnea on your body and mind:
- Low energy levels
- Concentration difficulties
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Dry or sore throat
- Tendency to nod off
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Your trachea can become completely blocked during sleep for several different reasons:
- Your tongue falls back too far
- Excess fatty tissue obstructs your airway
- Your airway is naturally small
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Dr. Chapnick uses SomnoDent® MAS therapy by SomnoMed to treat previously diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. This is an oral appliance therapy that helps to keep your tongue from falling back into your airway by positioning your lower jaw forward. Something as seemingly simple as a sleep apnea appliance can have a dramatic effect on your overall health.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not tell your muscles to breathe. You may exhibit the same type of symptoms as in obstructive sleep apnea, so it is important to have your condition properly diagnosed by a sleep study clinic in order to get the proper treatment.
Sleep apnea not only interrupts your sleep but also your quality of life. To learn more about sleep apnea, please visit our Questions About Sleep Apnea page.
If you live in the Barrie, area and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Adam Chapnick at Molson Park Dental Office to arrange a sleep apnea treatment consultation.
