When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep? You don’t know why, but you wake up every morning feeling exhausted. Or, maybe your partner snores loudly and excessively, which keeps you up all night.
In both cases, the problem may be related to sleep apnea, a serious disorder that affects almost 20 million US adults. What many people don’t know is that sleep apnea treatment in Bangor, ME can be as straightforward as wearing a customized oral device while you sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
A sleep apnea episode is a pause in breathing during sleep. It occurs because the tongue and soft tissues of your throat fall backward and temporarily block your airway which prevents you from breathing.
Your oxygen-deprived body finally wakes you up to breathe, which is often accompanied by a loud snorting or gasping sound. For those with sleep apnea, these episodes can last 10 to 20 seconds or longer and can happen dozens of times each night.
What are Some Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
There are common symptoms of sleep apnea that are subtle enough that you may not realize what they are:
- Loud, excessive snoring
- Fatigue on waking
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or confusion
- Drowsy-driving related auto accidents
Why Do I Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Without treatment, sleep apnea can have serious health consequences.
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- Diabetes
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The first step is to have a sleep study to determine the extent of the problem.
If you have severe sleep apnea, your doctor will likely recommend a CPAP machine that uses continuous pressure to keep your airway open. For mild to moderate cases or for those who can’t tolerate wearing the CPAP mask, there’s an FDA-approved treatment that involves the use of a customized oral appliance.
The device is easy to wear while you sleep and works by moving your lower jaw slightly forward. This movement helps keep your airway clear so you can finally get the good night’s sleep you so desperately need.
Call Us and Get a Good Night’s Sleep!
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, sleep apnea treatment in Bangor, ME may be just what you need. Please contact Maine Family Dental to arrange a consultation with Dr. Buxton to get started.
