Imagine a world where you wake up exhausted daily, even after a full night’s rest. Sleep apnea can make this dread a reality. Kelley Mingus, a leading authority in dentistry and sleep apnea treatment, shares enlightening insights in this exclusive Q&A session.
What is Sleep Apnea, According to Kelley Mingus?
Dr. Kelley Mingus explains that sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, leading to poor sleep quality. Furthermore, if sleep apnea is left untreated, it can contribute to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The Signs of Sleep Apnea
Common symptoms, Dr. Kelley Mingus emphasizes, include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, awakening with a dry mouth, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
How Does Kelley Mingus’s Approach to Sleep Apnea Treatment Differ?
Unlike traditional treatments, Kelley Mingus opts for dental solutions that are more comfortable compared to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). These solutions offer effective and sustainable results.
Orthotic Devices
According to Kelley Mingus, a customized orthotic device can prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat and maintain an open airway. This can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality.
Facial Growth Treatment
Facial Growth treatment is another unique approach that Kelley Mingus endorses. It promotes the natural growth of the jaw to permanently mitigate sleep apnea.
Kelley Mingus’s Top Tips for Managing Sleep Apnea at Home
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Dr. Kelley Mingus suggests that sleep apnea symptoms can improve with weight loss. He encourages maintaining a healthy weight for overall wellbeing.
Avoid Alcohol, Sedatives, and Hypnotics
Kelley Mingus cautions that these substances can relax the throat muscles, obstruct the airway, and exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco use can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, worsening sleep apnea. Dr. Kelley Mingus advises quitting to improve sleep apnea symptoms and overall health.
Parting Advice from Kelley Mingus
Dr. Kelley Mingus advocates an all-encompassing, proactive approach to managing sleep apnea. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you have it, reach out to Dr. Kelley Mingus at his Bend, Oregon office. His innovative treatments and patient-focused care can steer you toward a future of restful nights and energetic days.