According to the American Sleep Association, 25 million American adults struggle with sleep disturbance. Even though sleep apnea is considered a common problem, it can cause significant health issues and shouldn’t be taken lightly. At his clinic in Bellevue, Washington, board-certified Joseph Z. Yousefian, DMD, MS, PS, offers several treatment options to help you get a good night’s sleep and enjoy optimal health. Call his office today or book an appointment online.
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing frequently stops and starts throughout the night. Though it may seem harmless, sleep apnea disturbs sleep, deprives the brain and vital organs of oxygen, and can cause serious health issues.
Understanding the cause and type of sleep apnea you have is an integral part of treatment and prevention. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage of the airway; usually caused when the soft tissue or tongue relaxes and falls to the back of the throat.
Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea is not a result of a blocked airway. Instead, it occurs when the brain fails to send proper communication to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea happens when the patient has a combination of both OSA and central sleep apnea. Sometimes this can develop as a result of traditional treatments for OSA.
Though it is said to affect more than 18 million Americans, including men, women, and children, more than 85% of OSA sufferers go undiagnosed. Loud snoring may be a sign of OSA but may not always be evident in those with sleep apnea. Other symptoms include:
In children:
In adults:
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea can result in medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain, heart attack, or stroke. If you or your child have any of the above symptoms, it's important that you see your doctor right away.
A CPAP is one of the most common solutions for managing sleep apnea. A mask rests over your mouth as you sleep. It is connected to a machine that continually pushes air into your mouth and nose, making sure you are taking regular breaths throughout the night.
Teledontics is an integrative approach to treating sleep apnea. This non-surgical treatment developed by Dr. Yousefian expands the upper and lower jaw to create more space for the tongue in the mouth. It expands the nasal cavity to open the airway and allow for more airflow.
As an airway specialist, Dr. Yousefian is committed to offering you the best solutions for your sleep apnea. To learn more, call his office or book an appointment online today.