Sleep Apnea Treatment – Itasca, IL
Helping You Get the Sleep You Need
Does your snoring wake you up? Are earplugs part of your nightly routine? Does your loved one leave the bed at night due to your snoring? Have you been told you gasp for breath and make choking sounds? If you answered yes to any of these, you may have sleep apnea, so don’t delay in calling our dental office for sleep apnea treatment in Itasca, IL.
Why Choose Hamilton Lakes Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Custom-Made Oral Appliances Available
- One-on-One, Personalized Care From Dental Professionals
- Flexible Financing to Minimize Expenses
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea derives from the Greek word meaning “without breath.” It is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep. The blockage of the upper airway is what usually causes it, and it results in very loud snoring, gasping for breath, and choking. Unfortunately, this doesn’t only affect the patient. It also results in partners feeling sleepy and fatigued the next day. Sleep apnea has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive impairment, and high blood pressure. The great news is Dr. Kathy French, Dr. Alexa French & Dr. Kate Conti at Hamilton Lakes Dentistry have effective treatments.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms Include the Following:
- Fatigue felt throughout the day
- Insomnia
- Getting up to urinate frequently during the night
- Sore throat or dry mouth upon waking up
- Difficulty concentrating and being attentive
- Headaches in the morning
- Depression
- Weight gain
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The dentists at Hamilton Lakes Dentistry treat sleep apnea with a removable appliance similar to a mouthpiece that assists in repositioning your jaw and stabilizing the tongue. As a result, your mouth can normally open and close so you will experience unobstructed airflow through your mouth. This will provide instant sleep apnea symptom relief. Our treatment is much less invasive than the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device, which is considered to be the standard for treating sleep apnea. Our treatment is great for someone who cannot tolerate the CPAP device or who suffers from mild sleep apnea. The oral appliance is user-friendly and will require almost no change to your daily routine.
Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing whether you have sleep apnea or not isn’t exactly easy. Even if you discover you have this common condition, you likely feel out of the loop when it comes to treatment and living life with a sleep disorder. To offer greater peace of mind on the topic, our team of experts is here to deliver the answers you need to feel more at ease when dealing with sleep apnea.
Does snoring mean I suffer from sleep apnea?
Simply snoring does not mean you suffer from sleep apnea. Snoring that does not result in fatigue throughout the day is most likely not associated with sleep apnea.
What are common indications of sleep apnea?
Long pauses between breaths and loud snoring during sleep are the most common signs of sleep apnea.
If I have sleep apnea, do I need to sleep with a machine?
An oral appliance provides an effective alternative to the CPAP device.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
Sleep apnea is not self-diagnosable. You should undergo a professional sleep study to find out for sure whether you have this disorder.
However, it can be helpful to monitor the quality of your sleep. By using a sleep journal or wearing a smart watch, you can identify patterns in your nightly rest. The data can help both you and your medical team to understand what is causing your symptoms and the best way to bring about improvements.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
Excess body fat can place pressure on the airway and worsen or even cause sleep apnea. Many people find that when they slim down a bit, their sleep apnea symptoms improve or even disappear altogether. Often, modest weight loss is all that is necessary to notice a difference.
However, some people do not see improvements when they lose weight. This can happen if the sleep apnea is caused by anatomical issues that are unrelated to weight, such as a deviated septum or narrow palate.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
Many patients notice significant improvements within the first few days of using their treatment. For some people, though, adapting to their oral appliance is challenging; they might accidentally eject it during sleep and lose out on its benefits. Be patient and consistently use your treatment — it should not be long before you feel well-rested and experience the other benefits of high-quality sleep.
Some time after you start treatment, you may be advised to undergo a second sleep study. This will confirm whether or not your therapy is working.
Who Is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone, regardless of their age, gender, lifestyle, or body composition, could develop obstructive sleep apnea. However, some groups are more at-risk than others, including:
- Biological men
- Post-menopausal women
- Individuals who are obese
- Pregnant women
- People with an untreated tongue tie
- Smokers
- People who indulge in heavy alcohol consumption
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
Professional treatment is the most reliable way to reduce or eliminate sleep apnea symptoms. However, there may be some things you can do at home to improve your condition. For example, some people find that essential oils help them to relax and get high-quality sleep. Others have noticed that they sleep better when they do not drink alcohol before bedtime or when they sleep on their side rather than their back. Avoiding being overly tired when you go to bed may also be helpful.