Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you obtain your eight hours, but still feel exhausted and sleep-deprived? In the United States alone, over ten million people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. This serious sleep disorder leaves people drained, irritable, and unable to focus at work or school. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and depression. Your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, can help identify and treat obstructive sleep apnea.
The Factors Behind Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues near the back of the throat block airflow during sleep. The patient stops breathing long enough to deprive the brain of oxygen. The brain then wakes the patient up to start breathing. For many sleep apnea sufferers, this cycle happens hundreds of times each night. Common symptoms of sleep apnea including chronic snoring, waking up gasping for air or choking, and daytime drowsiness.
Quality Sleep Apnea Treatment in Livingston NJ
At The Silverstrom Group, we provide a number of treatment options for our Livingston NJ patients with sleep apnea, including:
Oral Appliances: Similar to a night guard, this device moves the jaw forward, preventing soft tissue from obstructing airflow. Patients sleep easier and breathe freely.
CPAP Machine: For severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea, patients may require more than an oral appliance. A CPAP machine consists of a mask that the patient wears over his/her mouth and face during sleep. A hose connects the mask to a machine that pumps a continuous flow of air through the nose and mouth. While the machine can treat sleep apnea, many patients find the mask cumbersome and the machine loud and distracting.
In addition, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce OSA symptoms. Losing weight has been shown to decrease sleep apnea episodes. Patients should also avoid alcohol or caffeine products in the four hours prior to bedtime. Finally, always maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every, even on weekends.
The Silverstrom Dental Group provides the latest in comprehensive dental care for patients in Livingston, NJ and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 797-9345.
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