Sleep Apnea
Bellevue and Seattle, Washington
Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that affects thousands of Americans. It results in a brief cessation of breathing which may occur up to 50 times an hour while you are asleep. One of the most common signs of the condition is snoring.
At Cooleysmiles, we understand the dangers of sleep apnea, and we can design a sleep apnea treatment plan which will help you eliminate these stoppages in breathing before they lead to serious health conditions down the road.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax while you sleep, causing them to collapse. As a result, your airway becomes blocked and your body is unable to receive the proper levels of oxygen. Your brain briefly awakens you so that you can resume proper breathing. This pattern of interrupted breathing and waking from sleep can occur hundreds of times a night without you even realizing it is happening.
Severe medical conditions such as stroke, brain tumor, heart disease, or systemic infection may cause a less common form of sleep apnea called “central sleep apnea” and may require additional, emergency medical attention.
Dangers of Sleep Apnea
When you do not receive sufficient, restful sleep, your body may respond mentally with various disorders including:
- Severe mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory loss
Recent studies suggest sleep apnea may also be related to an increased risk of:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Due to the severity of the health conditions caused by prolonged episodes of sleep apnea, it is crucial that you seek treatment for the condition right away. In most cases, sleep apnea treatment is simple and noninvasive.
Bellevue sleep apnea dentists Dr. Aaron Cooley and Dr. Brandon Cooley will work closely with you to find a solution that is most suited to your needs. In many cases, simple lifestyle adjustments such as altering your diet, changing sleeping positions, and reducing alcohol intake may help alleviate the condition. If this does not help, Dr. Aaron and Dr. Brandon may recommend oral appliance therapy to help keep your airway open while you breathe.
If you suffer from sleep apnea in or around Bellevue or Seattle, Washington, please contact the experienced sleep apnea dentists at Cooleysmiles today to schedule an initial consultation.