What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. Left untreated, sleep apnea increases your risk of more serious health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and premature death.

Are there different types of sleep apnea?

Dr. Talerman provides treatment for all three types of sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax during sleep. This can obstruct your airway, causing you to wake up, gasping for breath.

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control your breathing. Like OSA, this causes you to wake up.

Complex sleep apnea

Complex sleep apnea occurs when you have both OSA and central sleep apnea. This type of sleep apnea is particularly dangerous.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The symptoms of sleep apnea vary and depend on the severity of the condition. Common indications include:

• Loud snoring
• Periods where you stop breathing during sleep
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth

If you have sleep apnea, you might also experience frequent irritability or find it difficult to pay attention during the day.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Only a medical doctor (MD) can diagnose sleep apnea. Usually, the process involves a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms. Your primary care provider might also recommend you participate in an overnight sleep study.

A sleep study monitors your respiratory and heart rate during sleep. Your primary care physician uses this information to determine the type of sleep apnea you have.

After making a diagnosis, your primary care physician partners with Dr. Talerman. Working together, they can make recommendations for treatment, such as a night guard or custom oral device.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the type and its severity. Dr. Talerman doesn’t provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, but he does offer several other types of treatment, including:

Night guards

A night guard is a custom-crafted appliance that puts a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This prevents grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw during sleep, allowing for proper airflow. A night guard can also limit your risk of morning headaches or jaw pain.

Sleep apnea oral devices

A sleep apnea oral device is a custom oral appliance that pushes your lower jaw slightly forward. This opens your upper airway, preventing the soft tissues at the back of your throat from obstructing your breathing.

To further explore your treatment options for sleep apnea, schedule an appointment at the practice of Steven A. Talerman DDS. Call the office and speak with a friendly team member or book a consultation online today.