Sleep apnea has gained a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason—more and more people are being diagnosed, which means they’re getting the care they need to achieve restful sleep. That said, sleep apnea is still a serious condition when left untreated, even having the potential to be life-threatening. Here’s a closer look at the condition, how you can identify it, and why treatment is so crucial for reducing the risks.
What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts again during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality and reduced oxygen levels. It’s typically caused by the blockage of the airway—this is specifically referred to as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Symptoms typically include loud snoring, gasping for air, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches, among other issues. This can eventually lead to systemic issues that affect your heart and lungs!
Is Sleep Apnea Really on the Rise?
A major factor in the sudden surge in sleep apnea cases is the increased number of diagnoses, largely due to heightened awareness. Studies show that over a quarter of adults in the US alone suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of the condition—and it’s reasonable to assume that many more cases remain unofficially diagnosed.
Additionally, the quality and availability of the screening process have both improved, not to mention that more patients are getting tested as they become more aware of the risk factors associated with the condition.
What Can I Do If I Think I Have Sleep Apnea?
If you’re concerned about your risk for sleep apnea, or you’ve already been diagnosed, your next best step is seeking treatment—and believe it or not, sleep dentists are among the most qualified experts for helping with the condition. They specialize in creative custom oral appliances that help to keep the airway open during the night, serving as a more comfortable and just as effective alternative to CPAP treatment.
Even though the rise in sleep apnea may seem alarming, it only means that more and more people are becoming aware of the value of sleep and seeking treatment to ensure they’re able to get enough of it.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Pamela West and Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca, our team here at iSleepSolutions has served the needs of those in Las Vegas and the nearby area for several years, offering a wide variety of sleep apnea treatment solutions, including oral appliance therapy. Dr. West is currently a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry—of which Dr. Gorczyca is also a member. If you have any questions about the blog or need to schedule an appointment with us, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (702) 602-2000.