DO I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SLEEP APNEA AND DISORDER

If you exhibit symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, Dr.Odufalu may ask you to undergo a sleep evaluation with a sleep specialist or order an overnight sleep study to assess for sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea is different from other sleeping disorders in that it is not associated with physical activity. Instead, it is a disorder of movement, defined as the interruption of sleep by repeated waking events. Here are other forms of sleeping disorders:

• Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that affects your ability to remain awake for extended periods of time. In general, people with this condition often struggle to stay active for long periods of time regardless of the conditions surrounding them – even if it’s something that isn’t supposed to make them tired, like driving their car or standing in line at the bank, which can have significant impacts on a person’s ability to carry out their daily activities.

• Restless leg syndrome: Restless legs syndrome is an uncomfortable sensation that makes one want to move their legs when they’re sitting or lying down in the evening or during nighttime hours. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.

• Snoring: Snoring is noise made from sleeping , especially the act of inhaling and exhaling while asleep. Anyone can engage in snoring behaviors every day, however, it is more common in men and people who are overweight. Snoring can be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder, which can be a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

HOW CAN SLEEP APNEA BE TREATED?

Multiple options exist when it comes to treating sleep apnea, and each of them is more effective than sleeping in silence and hoping the symptoms of sleep apnea subside. The two types of non-surgical options are positive airway pressure (PAP) devices and oral appliances.

The treatment for OSA is typically the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP allows you to breathe easier and live better. Patients have remarked that the use of CPAP completely solved their issues with obstructive sleep apnea for several reasons. For example, it might seem hokey or perhaps even scary at first to wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you go to sleep, but after many nights of using CPAP it will become as regular a part of your routine as brushing your teeth.

HOW DO ORAL APPLIANCES WORK?

If you and Dr. Odufalu have come to a conclusion that an oral appliance is the best treatment option for you, she will write a prescription and refer you to a dentist that is qualified to make a custom-fit oral appliance for you.