Sacramento area patients ask about sleep apnea treatment
Many sleep studies will reveal that patients who are experiencing daytime tiredness and are not feeling rejuvenated in the morning may be suffering from a sleeping disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea often referred to as OSA, is a sleeping disorder that is a result of a blockage in the airways. This blockage can cause patients to be unable to breathe in and out at night, startling themselves awake. This process can happen hundreds of times in one night and result in the inability for patients to achieve the restorative level of sleep needed to feel their best the following day.
Obstructive sleep apnea can be troublesome for patients; however, proper diagnosis can help them get the appropriate treatment they need.
For many Sacramento area patients, a physician may suggest CPAP therapy. CPAP is a device worn by the patient while they sleep to keep the airways open with a stream of air. However, this device can be difficult to use and uncomfortable, therefore reducing compliance.
Instead, Drs. Kosta J. Adams and Kristen J. Adams of Sacramento may suggest patients consider oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy uses a special mouthguard custom-made for patients and worn to hold down the tongue or reposition the jaw and open the airways for more comfortable, restful sleep. These appliances are comfortable and easy to use, often resulting in better compliance. They are also affordable.
In order to determine if patients have this condition, they need to speak to their physician about undergoing a sleep study. During the study, patients will be monitored while sleeping to see if they are having difficulty breathing several times a night. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea will often stop breathing hundreds of times in one night, making it difficult for them to feel well-rested the following day, and resulting in many symptoms such as daytime fatigue, poor memory, and concentration issues.
Drs. Kosta J. Adams and Kristen J. Adams believe in providing patients with a wide range of services in their dental practice and are excited to help obstructive sleep apnea patients and patients who suffer from chronic snoring to find peace and rest in their lives.
