Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that causes frequent breathing disruptions at night. You might relate sleep apnea with chronic snoring, but this condition puts you at risk of several serious health problems aside from just a grumpy sleeping partner. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea but have been delaying treatment, here are a few facts you should know that just might make you schedule an appointment with a dental practice that specializes in treating sleep apnea.
1. Most Cases of Sleep Apnea Aren’t Diagnosed
According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately 20% of adults in the US have obstructive sleep apnea, the most prevalent form of the condition. However, up to 90% of cases are undiagnosed. OSA causes frequent breathing disruptions from an obstruction in the airway caused by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or tongue collapsing to block the airway.
2. You Can Stop Breathing Hundreds of Times Per Night
Sleep apnea causes hundreds of pauses in breathing while sleeping, with each event lasting for potentially a minute or longer. Your body is deprived of oxygen every time you stop breathing, which jolts your brain awake, interrupting your sleep cycle. Over time, this can affect your physical and psychological health.
3. You Don’t Have to Be Obese to Have Sleep Apnea
According to an article by John Hopkins, 20% of people with sleep apnea are obese. While being overweight increases your risk, 3% of those with sleep apnea are of normal weight. If you have signs of sleep apnea, it’s important to visit your physician for a sleep study, even if you’re not overweight.
4. Sleep Apnea Can Cause Premature Death
Snoring isn’t the only concern of untreated sleep apnea. It can cause several potentially deadly health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even an increased risk of auto accidents. Studies have found that your risk of premature death is 3 times higher if you have untreated sleep apnea.
5. A CPAP Isn’t the Only Treatment for Sleep Apnea
A CPAP machine is the most common method of treating sleep apnea, but it isn’t the only option. An oral appliance trains your jaw to rest in a more comfortable position to keep your airway open. It’s a comfortable and effective alternative to a CPAP machine. An oral appliance has a 90% compliance rate, compared to only 50% compliance with a CPAP.
You can breathe better and get the rest you need to support your wellness with an effective treatment plan. Your dentist who specializes in treating sleep apnea in Tulsa can provide you with the improvement you need with oral appliance therapy.
About Healthy Sleep Tulsa
At Healthy Sleep Tulsa, we take sleep apnea in Tulsa seriously. We are proud to have a highly experienced and trained team of three dentists who specialize in airway management, lip and tongue tie, and sleep apnea. Drs. Lori Hare, Billie Reeder, and Robin Ross create personalized treatment plans that alleviate snoring and address OSA at the source. To learn more about the variety of oral appliances we offer, schedule an appointment at Healthy Sleep via our website or by calling (918) 300-4325.