Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a problem that 40 percent of middle aged men experience and about 30 percent of middle aged women experience. OSA occurs when there is an obstruction in your airway that interrupts your sleep and causes you to snore. OSA can be life threatening and has a large number of risk factors associated with it. The most common symptom of sleep apnea, is loud snoring at night. If you or a sleeping partner experience loud snoring, it is best to get tested for OSA so you can receive the treatment you need from Dr. Roessler at Roessler, DDS in Mundelein, IL.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Symptoms While Asleep
- Loud Snoring
- Gasping, choking, stopped breathing during sleep
- Waking up throughout the night to urinate
- Sweating during the night
- Chest pain while sleeping
- Heartburn and/or sour taste in your mouth at night
Symptoms While Awake
- Daytime drowsiness
- Morning headaches
- Gastrosophageal reflux
- Depression
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Breathing through the mouth during the day
- Having concentration problems and memory problems throughout the day
- Leg swelling
Diagnosis and Treatment
In order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, you will need to
be diagnosed by a physician. This will include a sleep test, whether done at a sleep center or at home. Once you are diagnosed, you will be able to come to Roessler, DDS for treatment options. Our treatments include custom made oral devices used while sleeping. These are mouth guard like appliances that position your mouth so that your airway is open. They are highly effected for mild to moderate cases of OSA. For more severe cases, a CPAP machine will be needed, or in some cases, surgery to remove the obstruction of your airway.
Why You Need Treatment and What You Can Do
Sleep apnea can be life threatening if left untreated. It has been associated with increased blood pressure, the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Sleep apnea is also more common in overweight or obese patients. By simply losing weight or sleeping on your side instead of your back, your sleep apnea might go away on its own. After you your sleep apnea is under control, your blood pressure should go down, especially if you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. After receiving treatment, you will begin to feel more rested after a night of sleep, feel more alert during the day, and overall feel healthier.
Contact Us
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are seeking treatment options, contact the dentist office of Michael Roessler, DDS in Mundelein, IL. Give us a call at 847-566-9330 or fill out our online contact form with any questions you might have.
