Sleep Apnea Therapy - Schenectady, NY • Capital District
Stop Snoring & Sleep Better
Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for up to 10 seconds repeatedly while sleeping. Because breathing is stopped, the brain and the body become oxygen deprived resulting in health problems, including worsening ADHD symptoms, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and heart attack, diabetes, and depression.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea, but the most common is Obstructive sleep apnea, also referred to as OSA. This form of sleep apnea involves a blocked airway. Malformed airways, the size or position of the tongue and tonsils, and the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat can all contribute to sleep apnea.
Men make up the majority of sleep apnea cases, though women are also at risk. What else can increase your chances for sleep apnea? People who are over the age of 40, are overweight, have acid reflux (GERD), a nasal obstruction such as a deviated septum, or who have a family history or sleep apnea should pay attention to the symptoms.
Most Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
- Loud, constant snoring
- Waking up multiple times a night
- Feeling as though your choking or gasping during sleep
- A lack of energy or daytime sleepiness
- Headaches or migraines
- Moodiness, irritability, or forgetfulness
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Decreased sex drive
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Before we can get started with sleep apnea treatment, we must first reach a diagnosis which confirms that this is indeed the source of your troubles. To do so, our team will ask you a series of questions related to your sleep, how you feel throughout the day, and what others have noticed about your sleep habits. Based on the results, we will determine how best to move forward to help you regain the sleep you need to thrive each day.
Learn About Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Compared to the bulky and disruptive CPAP -- which has long been the gold-standard treatment for sleep apnea -- oral appliance therapy is a wonderful alternative. This option has helped numerous patients find relief from chronic snoring and sleep apnea. It works by holding the lower jaw in place, preventing its collapse and keeping the airway clear throughout the night. Plus, it is small, portable, and customized to fit your oral anatomy perfectly for maximum comfort and ease of use.
Learn About Oral Appliance Therapy
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Most of the people dealing with sleep apnea right now actually have no clue that they are. Are you at risk? There are several things that can influence whether or not someone will develop the disorder. Some are in your control, like bodyweight, while others are not, such as your age and gender. What are the most common risk factors, and is there anything you can do to lower your chances of experiencing sleep apnea?
Learn More About Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
How Can the Dentist Help?
If you are experiencing any one, or a combination of the symptoms above, it’s time to talk to Dr. Page about sleep apnea. A few simple tests can help to determine if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, and help Dr. Page determine if non-surgical therapies might be right for you.
At Capital Smiles, we offer a comfortable sleep apnea solution. A custom-made mouthguard can position the jaw forward, opening up the airway, and allowing you to get a good night’s rest. In addition to the nightguard, Dr. Page might also make lifestyle recommendations to help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep Apnea Consultations in Schenectady
Contact our Schenectady dental practice for your sleep apnea consultation. We’re helping patients in Troy, Saratoga, Clifton Park, and surrounding communities rest easy.