SLEEP APNEA AT A GLANCE

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects thousands of people and can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk for heart problems.

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain factors can make people more susceptible to developing sleep apnea. These risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Excessive drinking or use of narcotics
• Obesity
• Genetic traits such as narrow airways

With obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of this disorder, your airway becomes obstructed and prevents proper oxygen flow. The result is frequent periods of blocked airflow during sleep, which may result in loud snoring, chocking and gasping during sleep, and restless or fitful sleep.

In turn, this interruption of a good night’s sleep can lead to daytime symptoms including depression, cognitive disruption, frequent headaches, and daytime drowsiness.

There are a number of treatment options for sleep apnea, including sleep apnea appliances. When you come to our office for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, we may recommend a custom-made oral appliance designed to assist in opening your airways and restoring a restful night’s sleep. These appliances are noninvasive and easy to use.

If you live in the North York or Barrie, Ontario, areas and believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact the Chapnick Dental Office to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.