Snoring can make for a bad night’s sleep, for you and your bed mate. Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which you stop breathing as you sleep. Millions of people cope with it, and there is treatment available at OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City.
First, a clarification: just because someone snores doesn’t mean they have sleep apnea. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating it.
People with OSA may stop and re-start breathing repeatedly through the night. This deprives the brain of oxygen. There is mounting evidence that untreated OSA puts you at risk of many serious conditions.
High Blood Pressure
Untreated sleep apnea is connected to high blood pressure. If you already have it, sleep apnea can make it worse. Sleep apnea can also make it harder to treat blood pressure with medication.
Heart Disease
People with OSA are more likely to have heart disease. The causes may be low oxygen and the stress of waking up often during the night. Strokes and atrial fibrillation are also connected to OSA.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is common among people with type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that blood sugar levels are higher among men and women with OSA. Obesity raises the risk for OSA and Type 2 diabetes. However, treatment for OSA can decrease blood sugar levels.
Treatment Option
One of the most common treatments for OSA is a device called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP for short. Unfortunately many patients find it cumbersome to wear it at night. We’re happy to say there is an alternative.
At OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City we treat sleep apnea with a custom oral device, worn like a mouthguard. Patients from xxx find it far more comfortable than CPAP. We also offer complete general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!
Contact OKC Smiles:
405-634-7303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170
