If you wake up with a headache almost every morning or you feel like you just can’t get enough sleep, you might be prone to too much stress, but you can also be suffering from a sleep disorder like insomnia or sleep apnea.
According to a study of the US National Sleep Foundation, 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. 22 million are the ones, who battle with sleep apnea – a serious health condition, which can lead to other health problems, like high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, and even stroke, when left untreated.
| Sleep disorder statistics | ||
| Number of people in the U.S. with chronic sleep disorders | 40 Million | |
| Estimated cost to U.S. employers in lost productivity due to sleep loss issues | $18 Billion | |
| People who suffer from sleep apnea | 5 % | |
What exactly is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder, characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. The pauses can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and could occur many times per night.
There are three forms of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common one and is caused by obstruction of the upper airway. It is characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep, despite the effort to breathe, and is usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. Central sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway is not blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. A combination of the two former described conditions is called complex sleep apnea.
What are the warning signs for sleep apnea?
You should consider consulting your Everett dentist or doctor, in case you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chronic snoring
- Early morning headaches
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
- Daytime sleepiness
- Restless sleep
What are my treatment options?
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, the first thing you should consider are the common treatment options for leaving healthier – weight loss, if needed, avoiding alcohol and smoking, as well as physical training. Sleep apnea can also be treated with variety of surgical procedures.
Currently, the most common and effective Everett treatment for moderate and severe sleep apnea is the usage of sleep apnea appliance.
Sleep apnea appliances are worn during sleeping to keep your throat and airway open. This simple, but effective method reduces daytime sleepiness and lowers the number of times you pause or stop breathing during your sleep.
There is a great variety of sleep apnea appliances, available on the market. However, before purchasing one on the internet, be sure you to consult your Everett dentist, as such devices might need some modification to meet your individual needs.
If you are Everett resident, you can rely on the professional advice and services of Dr. Kavitha Gowda, from Perfect Smiles Dentistry. Dr. Gowda, who is one of the best dental specialist in Everett would offer you a custom-made appliance as part of a treatment plan for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea among celebrities
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that has affected the life of many celebrities, among which are Rosie O’Donnell, Quincy Jones, Roseanne Barr and Shaquille O’Neal.
“I felt the difference, honestly, in one night,” commented Rose on the day after she started using a sleep apnea appliance.