Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can impact your overall health and quality of life. At Friedler Dental Group, we are dedicated to helping you find relief from sleep apnea symptoms so you can enjoy restful nights and better health.

If you're looking for a solution to sleep apnea, our dentist in Madison, CT can provide effective treatment options to address the problem and improve your well-being.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as "apneas," can occur when the airway becomes blocked or when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, causing a temporary blockage of the airway.

These breathing interruptions can last from a few seconds to over a minute and often occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to poor-quality sleep and a lack of oxygen to the body and brain.

What Are the Symptoms?

Sleep apnea symptoms vary, but some common indicators include:

• Loud Snoring: One of the most common symptoms is loud, chronic snoring that may disturb your partner.
• Gasping or Choking During Sleep: People with sleep apnea may wake up suddenly, gasping for air or choking.
• Daytime Fatigue: Because sleep is often disrupted, people with sleep apnea may feel excessively tired during the day.
• Morning Headaches: A lack of proper oxygen during sleep can lead to headaches upon waking.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Poor-quality sleep can affect memory, concentration, and mood, making it harder to focus on daily tasks.
• Dry Mouth or Sore Throat in the Morning: Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat can also be a sign of sleep apnea.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a professional evaluation, as untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Yes, sleep apnea can be dangerous if left untreated. The repeated interruptions in breathing reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your organs, putting significant strain on your cardiovascular system. This can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and even heart failure. Additionally, sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, depression, and impaired cognitive function.

Sleep apnea can also lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, which significantly increases the risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery. Because of these serious health risks, it is essential to seek treatment if you suspect you have sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for sleep apnea that can help reduce snoring and lower health risks.

At Friedler Dental Group, we offer a comfortable, affordable solution: a custom oral appliance. This device is similar in size to a mouthguard or a sports mouth protector and works by keeping your airway open while you sleep. It gently repositions the jaw or tongue to prevent airway obstruction, allowing you to breathe more easily throughout the night.

Worried About Sleep Apnea? Contact Friedler Dental Group Today!

Sleep apnea is more than just a burden on your family—it poses a real danger to your health. If you or a loved one is struggling with snoring or other symptoms of sleep apnea, it's time to explore your treatment options. Contact Friedler Dental Group today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to better sleep and improved overall health with the help of your trusted dentist in Madison, CT.