5 Things You Should Know About Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting over 10% of Americans. Unfortunately, many sufferers are undiagnosed, putting a significant population at risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and other sleep apnea-related complications. 

A Brush Above Family Dentistry understands the far-reaching effects of sleep apnea. Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno offer sleep apnea solutions to improve your health and quality of life in Chicago, Illinois. 

Things you should know about sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related disorder accompanied by intermittent breathing when sleeping. Sleep apnea can be obstructive, central, or a mixture of both. OSA is the most common and happens when the airway is obstructed because of anatomical issues in the throat. 

Since sleep apnea is one of the most undiagnosed conditions, here are a few facts you should know to get ahead of this sleep disorder. 

1. It’s possible to have sleep apnea even if you don’t snore!

While snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), not all individuals with sleep apnea snore. Individuals with a narrower airway or less vibration in their throat tissues may experience OSA without noticeable snoring. Besides, patients with central sleep apnea (CSA) are less likely to snore because it isn’t caused by airway obstruction. CSA occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. 

2. Sleep apnea causes more than disrupted sleep.

Without a doubt, sleep apnea disrupts your sleep. Sleep apnea patients rarely enjoy restorative sleep because frequent breathing cessations often interrupt sleep. Fragmented sleep patterns cause sleep apnea patients to experience chronic fatigue and sleepiness despite a full night’s sleep. 

Sleep apnea affects more than sleep. When the brain senses oxygen deprivation, the body springs into action. This causes the heart and other body organs to overwork, responding every few seconds when breathing stops. An overworked heart can cause hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and stroke. Sleep apnea can also suck the energy out of you, causing depression, stress, and anxiety. Sleep apnea has severe effects that you can’t afford to ignore. 

3. Diagnosing sleep apnea involves a sleep test.

Sleep apnea manifests with several symptoms. These include: 

• Daytime fatigue
• Irritability
• Mood changes
• Trouble concentrating 
• Morning headaches
• Waking up with a dry throat

Keeping an eye on these symptoms is one of the ways to know something isn’t right. Unfortunately, these symptoms could mimic other illnesses, so you need a sleep apnea test for a definitive diagnosis. A sleep apnea test traditionally meant spending a night in a sleep center. However, at-home tests are available to monitor your sleep patterns conveniently at home. 

4. CPAP therapy isn’t the only treatment available

CPAP therapy is one of the most common OSA treatments. A CPAP machine uses a mask connected to a machine that pumps a steady stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, many patients discontinue its use because of noise, discomfort, or the device’s bulkiness.

Our office uses a custom-fitted retainer-like device to treat OSA. This small device is worn in the mouth when sleeping and repositions the lower jaw and tongue. Many patients love sleep apnea nightguards because they are discreet, comfortable, portable, and easy to use. 

5. Sleep apnea affects children.

Although rare, sleep apnea affects children. The common causes of OSA in children include enlarged tonsils and adenoids, obesity, and neuromuscular disorders. Seek medical advice if your child snores, bedwets, wakes up frequently, or gasps for air during sleep. 

Sleep apnea treatment near me

Don’t let sleep apnea hold back your life. Call (773) 840-0378 and schedule a sleep apnea consultation with A Brush Above Family Dentistry. 

Dr. Marcella Guzman

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.   

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