Obstructive
Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common, sometimes dangerous sleep disorder that causes a disruption or cessation of breathing during sleep. Sufferers will often experience episodes of choking and gasping for air while sleeping. This is due to throat muscles relaxing beyond what’s considered normal and blocking the airway as a result.

Many patients do not remember these episodes or even realize that they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. However, it can become a serious medical condition. If you find yourself with symptoms of heartburn or increased blood pressure, or you experience chronic sleepiness, loud snoring, or waking up in a sweat during the night, you should consider getting evaluated.

Physical factors such as genetics, excess weight, and high blood pressure can create the conditions that cause obstructive sleep apnea. These, in turn, can lead to increased risk for diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Luckily, therapies exist to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, these can range from a simple oral appliances (such as a snore guard), dental repositioning devices, and more advanced solutions like jaw advancement techniques and corrective jaw surgery.

Obstructive sleep apnea treatment can help patients achieve a more restful night of sleep and reduce their risk of developing serious health issues associated with this disorder.