Sleep Apnea & Snoring
When you lay down to sleep the muscles of your throat relax and your tongue falls backward. As you breathe in, the walls of your throat vibrate to create the sound of snoring. Sometimes the walls of your throat collapse completely so that no air enters, creating a condition called sleep apnea (cessation of breathing). Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts and can be obstructive or central sleep apnea.
Dr. Dina has taken many continuing education courses on the treatment options available for obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP alternatives. There are numerous appliances, known as mandibular repositioning devices, that hold your lower jaw in a more forward position to prevent collapse of your airway. Dr. Dina is happy to discuss which option is best for you based on your specific needs.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Recent weight gain
- Awakening in the morning not feeling rested
- Awaking at night feeling confused
- Change in your level of attention, concentration, or memory
- Pauses in breathing during sleep observed by a partner
Complications of Apnea:
- Heightened risk of heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery diseases
- Type II Diabetes
- Memory problems
- Limited ability to focus