Improve Your Sleep Quality and Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment
Daytime fatigue, despite a full night’s sleep, can be frustrating and might indicate underlying health issues. Often, the cause can be obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially if accompanied by chronic snoring, morning headaches, and fragmented sleep. OSA is a severe sleep disorder that must be treated immediately before it causes further health complications.
Dr. Ban R. Barbat offers sleep apnea treatment in Shelby Township, Michigan, and the nearby locations. While the standard treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, our office has a simple yet effective treatment. If you suspect sleep apnea, don’t wait any longer. Please schedule an appointment with our office today!
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
OSA is characterized by stop-and-start breathing cycles when sleeping. Often, this occurs when the soft tissues in the throat relax excessively when sleeping, blocking the airway partially or wholly. When the oxygen is cut off, the brain senses oxygen deprivation and awakens the body to restore normal breathing. These awakenings occur so quickly that you may not notice them even when they happen up to a hundred times at night! Since you no longer reach your deep restorative sleep, you wake up feeling tired.Â
The common symptoms of sleep apnea include:Â
- Chronic snoring
- Waking up with a dry throat
- Gasping or choking for air when sleeping
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Irritability and mood changes
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Loss of sex drive
- Concentration lapse during the day
Why sleep apnea is too dangerous to ignore?
Don’t ignore sleep apnea as a mere snoring inconvenience—its health consequences are far-reaching. Beyond the obvious disruption to sleep, untreated sleep apnea can significantly affect your overall well-being.
Its health complications include:Â
- Cardiovascular risks: Oxygen deprivations make the heart work harder, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Metabolic effects: OSA can contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain, heightening the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Mental health: Interrupted sleep and chronic fatigue can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and memory problems.
- Compromised safety: Poor concentration and daytime fatigue increase the frequency of workplace errors and motor vehicle accidents.
How does a Shelby Township dentist treat sleep apnea?
We treat sleep apnea after confirming its diagnosis. Often, sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep apnea test at home or a sleep study center. Traditionally, CPAP therapy has been the standard treatment for mild to moderate OSA. A CPAP device uses a mask strapped on your head to force air past your airway to keep it open when sleeping. CPAPs work, but many patients discontinue CPAPs because of irritability, noise, and bulkiness.Â
We have a simpler and more effective treatment for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) uses a custom-fitted oral device to reposition your jaws and tongue to optimize breathing when sleeping. A sleep apnea nightguard is comfortable, easy to use, portable, and discreet. It’s also effective. After a few days of use, you’ll experience improved sleep quality and productive days at work and home.Â
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea & Oral Appliance Therapy
What are sleep apnea symptoms, and how can I tell if I have it?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway completely or partially collapses during sleep, causing breathing interruptions that last for 10 seconds or more. These breathing pauses can occur repeatedly throughout the night, disrupting deep and restorative sleep.
Many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition. Common symptoms include:
- Loud, chronic snoring, snorting, or gasping for air
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Mood changes, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction
Sleep apnea can also affect children, but their symptoms may appear differently. Signs of sleep apnea in children include:
- Sleepwalking or sleeptalking
- Bedwetting
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Night sweats
Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, your physician may recommend undergoing a sleep study for a definitive diagnosis. This evaluation can be performed either at a specialized sleep center or through an at-home sleep test. Our office offers the convenient option of an at-home sleep test for ease and comfort.
How does oral appliance therapy compare to a CPAP machine?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a common treatment for sleep apnea. It delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open, improving breathing and sleep quality. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, studies indicate that adherence rates vary, with some patients discontinuing use due to discomfort, noise, or difficulty adjusting to the machine. If you’re struggling with CPAP therapy, an alternative option may be oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a custom-fitted dental appliance to gently reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep.
Benefits of an oral appliance for sleep apnea:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Small, portable, and travel-friendly
- No masks, hoses, or noisy machines
- Simple to clean and maintain
Many patients prefer a sleep apnea oral appliance as a more discreet and convenient solution. Our dental office can help you explore alternative treatment options if you’ve been struggling with CPAP therapy.
Will my insurance cover sleep apnea treatment at your office?
Many insurance providers cover sleep apnea treatment, though coverage often falls under medical insurance rather than dental insurance.
To determine your benefits, we recommend:
- Checking with your insurance provider about coverage for sleep apnea treatment
- Contacting our office, we can help verify your benefits and discuss financing options
Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage and find the best treatment option for your needs.
Ready for sleep apnea treatment near Shelby Township?
Don't ignore daytime fatigue or sleepiness—it's your body's signal that something might be amiss. Do you suspect sleep apnea? Have you been using CPAP therapy and have had enough of it? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Barbat to determine if oral appliance therapy works for you—call (586) 551-7255 to schedule an appointment.Â
