More than 25 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. This condition causes numerous pauses in breathing while sleeping due to an obstruction in the airway. Each year, more than 200,000 new cases of the condition are diagnosed. However, it is estimated 80% of those with the disorder remain undiagnosed or untreated. The long-term implications of untreated sleep apnea will decrease your quality of life while also causing potentially deadly complications. If you have sleep apnea in Topeka or suspect you have the condition, regain control of your life and health in 2017 with the right treatment.
Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing hundreds of times per night, with each pause in breathing potentially lasting for over one minute. This not only deprives the body of adequate sleep, but also causes strain on the body from lack of oxygen. Both factors cause serious complications when left untreated.
The lack of oxygen will take a toll on the cardiovascular system, leading to hypertension and heart disease. This increases your risk for heart attack and stroke, which can lead to premature death. There is also evidence that the condition can cause the development of type 2 diabetes.
Your sleep quality will decline, leading to daytime fatigue. However, over time, this will also cause sleep deprivation. Once this occurs, you will develop mood changes, depression, and even loss of cognitive abilities. This increases your risk for workplace and auto accidents.
Symptoms of the condition, such as headaches, chronic snoring, and sore throat will continue, further decreasing your quality of life. You can easily treat the condition and stop the risk factors with effective treatment.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
At Michel Dental, we offer treatment for sleep apnea to restore your quality of life and health for the new year. We offer an at-home sleep test using a device known as Embletta. This will provide us with the information we need to make a diagnosis for treatment without having to visit a sleep center.
After analyzing your results, we will create a customized treatment plan. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, you could choose a CPAP machine. However, the most preferred treatment among patients involves an oral appliance. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard, except instead of protecting the teeth, it repositions the jaw. By repositioning the jaw forward, the airways will be kept open to prevent pauses in breathing. The device will be customized for your exact fit, providing you with a comfortable alternative to a traditional CPAP machine.
Restore Your Health
As the new year gets underway, it is time to recommit to your health by treating your sleep apnea. You will protect your health and improve your sleep by regaining control over your life. If you are ready for a happier, healthier year, it is time to call Michel Dental to schedule your consultation for sleep apnea treatment.