Sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns and affects systemic health. Learn about sleep apnea treatment from Schramm Dentistry in Charlotte, NC.
Snoring is the frequent topic of jokes, but it also causes interpersonal problems as spouses’ rest is continually disrupted. Additionally, persistent snoring may indicate a potentially serious health threat called sleep apnea. Your Charlotte dentist, Dr. Arthur Schramm, offers treatment for sleep apnea as part of his comprehensive list of modern dental services.
What are the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea?
People with sleep apnea stop breathing several times a night. This occurs because the soft palate at the back of the throat relaxes and blocks the airway (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) or because the respiratory system does not receive a signal from the brain that says “Breathe!” (Central Sleep Apnea). Some individuals suffer from Complex Sleep Apnea, a combination of OSA and CSA.
Sleep physicians say that constantly disrupted sleep harms critical REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the time of deepest and most healing rest.
Typically, sleep apnea patients:
- snore extremely loudly
- wake startled and gasping for air
- are very drowsy during the day
- have concentration and memory problems and may be depressed and/or anxious
- experience low libido
- have headaches after waking
The American Sleep Association says that 22 million adults in the United States suffer from some kind of sleep apnea. People who seem more prone to this potentially dangerous condition are:
How does sleep apnea affect overall health?
Beyond getting a poor night’s sleep, sleep apnea patients have increased incidence of:
- hypertension
- stroke
- heart failure
- type-2 diabetes
- psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression
- memory loss
- gastrointestinal reflux
Sleep apnea treatment in Charlotte
Charlotte dentist Arthur R. Schramm III DDS screens patients for sleep apnea. While severe cases of this common condition require a monitored sleep study from a sleep physician, mild to moderate cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea often benefit from a sleep mouth guard from
Schramm Dentistry.
Custom-molded and worn at night, a “snore guard” treats Charlotte sleep apnea by thrusting the lower jaw forward, opening the airway. Snore guards resemble athletic mouth guards and are designed to fit well and feel comfortable.
Sleep physicians may treat more serious cases with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to force oxygenated air down the throat, keeping the airway open. Other patients require surgery on the soft palate.
Do you snore?
If you are concerned that your snoring may be more than just an annoyance,
contact Schramm Dentistry for a consultation. Dr. Schramm will evaluate your mouth, discuss your sleep symptoms and your options for sleep apnea treatment.
By Schramm Dentistry
October 20, 2015
