Sleep is an integral part of one’s overall health. This includes both the quality and quantity of sleep you get each night. Experts recommend 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night for optimal health. However, this can be extremely difficult with the stressors of daily life. It can also be exacerbated by certain sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that impacts more than 18 million Americans. You may wonder, is obstructive sleep apnea permanent? Below, you will find helpful information about the condition and what treatment options are available.
Is obstructive sleep apnea permanent?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition. However, it can be effectively managed with sleep apnea treatment. One of the most effective treatment options is a mandibular advancement device (“MAD”). A MAD is a dental appliance designed to treat sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea. It is an oral appliance that you wear in your mouth during sleep. They effectively reposition your lower jaw and tongue to ensure that your airway stays open.
One of the major benefits of the MAD is that it is less cumbersome as compared to a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine. For those who have sleep apnea, this is a great alternative. The device is molded by a dental professional and customized for each patient. While sleep apnea is a chronic condition, working with a sleep specialist and dentist can improve your sleep apnea. In fact, the research shows that breathing devices have up to 90% efficacy for sleep apnea patients.
Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
Reducing your risk for the disorder is important. There are a number of risk factors within one’s control. This includes your weight, as obesity is a common risk factor. In addition, smoking can be a major risk factor. There are a number of other risk factors that are not within one’s control. This includes those who have large tonsils, a large collar size, a large tongue, and a family history of sleep apnea. Talk with a sleep specialist about your level of risk and what you can do about it.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many people are reluctant to see a medical professional if they suspect they have sleep apnea. Many fear the CPAP machine and the impact it may have on their sleep and intimacy. Seeking support is key so you can avoid the unwanted consequences of untreated sleep apnea. Below, you will find the common symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Snoring: Loud and persistent snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea
- Daytime Fatigue: Even after a full night’s rest, those with sleep apnea may struggle to stay awake during the day
- Interrupted Sleep: Sleep apnea can result in waking up abruptly at night, sometimes including even choking or gasping for air
- Mood Changes: Sleep issues associated with sleep apnea include irritability, stress, and mood swings
- Dry Mouth: Due to the ways in which sleep apnea impacts your breathing, you may wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Obesity: Sleep issues can impact your hunger hormones and cause weight gain
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you experience any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to contact a sleep specialist right away. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a number of serious health conditions. These can negatively impact your sleep and overall health. Some consequences include cardiovascular issues, such as hypertension and heart disease. In addition, it can also result in impaired cognitive function, which can impact one’s professional or academic life. These are just a few of the consequences associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Due to the serious impact it can have on your health, sleep apnea treatment is necessary. The team at Sleep MD has experience in treating sleep apnea. They have helped countless patients restore their sleep and improve their daily lives. Contact Sleep MD today to schedule an appointment!
