Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

                                         

Mild To Moderate Sleep Apnea

·       Lose weight

·       Quit smoking

·       Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives

·       Avoid caffeine and heavy meals with 2 hours of going to bed

·       Exercise regularly, maintain regular sleep hours

·       Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)-dental device that fits inside the mouth, like an athletic mouth guard. OAT is a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea. OAT is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and convenient for travel.

Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea

·       Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)-machine is used with a variety of breathing masks that cover the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keep the breathing passages open while sleeping.  CPAP machines are being updated and improved; they are lighter, quieter and more comfortable.

·       Sleep Apnea Implants-one of the newest treatments; involves the insertion of a pacemaker system that stimulates muscle to keep airways open for breathing during sleep.

·       Surgery-increase the size of the airway; risks of complications and infections.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who can assist you with treatment.    Dr.Anna Lee performs an airway assessment and Sleep Apnea evaluation.  Dr.Anna Lee also conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  If you have any questions, please call for a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  Patient may not be aware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night. The sleep deprivation (can’t fall asleep or can’t stay asleep) caused by sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and increased risk of driving accidents.  Sleep apnea is also linked to some serious medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, liver problems, and diabetes.

Major warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Loud and chronic snoring almost every night

·       Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep

·       Pauses in breathing

·       Waking up at night feeling short of breath

·       Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

                                      

   Other warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Insomnia or nighttime awakenings; restless sleep

·       Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

·       Going to the bathroom frequently during the night

·       Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

·       Moody, irritable, depress

·       Morning headaches

*If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, for a free consultation for Sleep Apnea. Call for an appointment at 626-335-5114 or email: drannalee1@gmail.com.

Women’s Risks for Sleep Apnea

                     Do you have sleep apnea?     

·       Sleep apnea increases as women transition through menopause

·       Post-menopausal women are 3X more likely to have OSA compared to premenopausal women

·       Overweight & obesity

·       High blood pressure

·       Endocrine disorder

·       Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

·       Pregnant women

What symptoms, signs or diseases should prompt a woman to consider that she might have OSA?

·       Difficulty maintaining sleep, un-refreshing sleep

·       Chronic fatigue

·       Lack of energy

·       Snoring

·       Frequent nighttime urination

·       Awakening gasping

·       Daytime sleepiness

·       Awakening with a headache, or edema (swelling) of the feet, or dry throat in the morning

                           

    Individualized Diagnosis & Treatment Options

There are different factors that may contribute to sleep apnea.  Treatment options vary based on the individual needs. Women of all ages can suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 

Some treatment options:

·       CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines: severe sleep apnea

·       Oral Appliance Therapy: mild to moderate sleep apnea

·       Lifestyle changes: lose weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol, avoid caffeine, exercise regularly

·       Surgery

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious medical problem for men and women of any age.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee.  She is a trained dentist in sleep apnea who can assist you with treatment. For more information, please visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com or call office at 626-335-5114 for a FREE Sleep Apnea Consultation.