Sleep apnea is a common disorder that interferes with your ability to breathe overnight. It occurs when your airway is blocked, causing you to wake up repeatedly throughout the night and preventing you from getting quality sleep.
In addition to ruining your nights, sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences without treatment. That’s why it’s crucial to undergo a sleep test as soon as you notice any potential symptoms. Explore our guide to learn more about sleep apnea and how Dr. McCraw can treat it.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause a wide variety of symptoms that can impact your health. Some of these include:
- Loud, disruptive snoring
- Gasping or choking overnight
- Daytime fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term memory loss
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea
Years of research have shown a few common risk factors for sleep apnea. Make sure to keep an eye out for symptoms if you fit into one of these categories:
- Male
- Overweight
- 40+ years old
- Large neck circumference
- Family history of sleep apnea
Treatment Solutions
Before Dr. McCraw can treat you for sleep apnea, you’ll need to get a diagnosis from a qualified sleep physician. This will involve taking a sleep test, either in a facility or in the comfort of your own home, and reviewing the results with your doctor. Once you’ve been diagnosed, we can begin your treatment at our practice.
The first treatment recommended for sleep apnea is often a CPAP machine. This device pumps a stream of pressurized air through a mask that’s worn over your face while you sleep, keeping your airway open, and allowing you to breathe freely. However, CPAP machines are bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable, leading many patients to give up their treatment.
CPAP Alternatives
If you’re tired of wearing your CPAP mask or want to avoid using one in the first place, ask Dr. McCraw about an oral appliance. Worn while you sleep, an oral appliance gently shifts your lower jaw forward and keeps your tongue from collapsing so your airway stays unobstructed.
Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are comfortable, easily portable, and allow you to sleep in any position you like. You also won’t have to deal with the noise from the machine or hooking and unhooking your mask when you get up. By choosing an oral appliance, you can eliminate snoring and sleep apnea symptoms without sacrificing comfort.
Visit McCraw Family Dentistry For an Oral Appliance
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to take a sleep test and get help as soon as possible. Once you’ve been diagnosed, Dr. McCraw can customize an oral appliance just for you. Call our Mauldin practice at (864) 297-6432 and schedule a consultation today — it’s your first step to a better night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?
Will an oral appliance help my snoring if I don’t have sleep apnea?
Will insurance pay for my oral appliance?
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Yes! Without treatment, sleep apnea can pose a huge threat to your overall health. Everyday symptoms including fatigue, headaches, and memory issues can impact your ability to function normally. In certain situations, such as driving your car, this can lead to a deadly accident.
In addition, sleep apnea also increases your risk of many serious health conditions including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and liver problems. In some cases, it can even lead to mental health problems such as chronic depression.
Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?
Sleep apnea and body weight are closely connected. While being overweight increases your risk of sleep apnea, having sleep apnea often causes you to gain weight. This can lead to a vicious cycle that makes it difficult to get your symptoms under control.
To minimize your risk of sleep apnea and other health issues, do your best to maintain a healthy body weight. If you already have sleep apnea, losing weight is one of the best ways to relieve your symptoms. During your consultation with Dr. McCraw, he may offer some tips for improving your diet and finding enjoyable ways to exercise.
Will an oral appliance help my snoring if I don’t have sleep apnea?
Yes! Snoring can be caused by many different factors, some of which aren’t connected to sleep apnea. No matter the cause of your snoring, an oral appliance can help you breathe easier and offer relief. Finally, you and your partner will both be able to sleep soundly through the night.
Will insurance pay for my oral appliance?
In most cases, sleep apnea appliances are covered by medical insurance. They’re typically categorized as medical equipment, so your provider should cover most or all of the cost. Keep in mind that the amount of payment you receive can vary depending on the terms of your plan.