When it comes to your health, recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea can be pivotal. This guide, presented by Dr. Kelley Mingus and his expert dental team in Bend, Oregon, aims to inform and educate you about this widespread but often misunderstood condition.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder typically characterized by recurring pauses in breathing during sleep. These breathing interruptions can occur hundreds of times each night, obstructing your rest and reducing your oxygen intake.
Types of Sleep Apnea
To understand the symptoms of sleep apnea, it is crucial to recognize its types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Often caused by the collapsing of the soft tissue at the back of the throat during sleep, which blocks the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep.
In this guide, our major focus will be on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common type.
Understanding the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Want to know the warning signs of sleep apnea? Uncover the following often overlooked symptoms:
Chronic Snoring
Chronic snoring, particularly when it’s loud and punctuated by periods of silence, can be a significant sign of sleep apnea.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Another symptom of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness, known as hypersomnia. It’s marked by regular daytime drowsiness or fatigue, regardless of the amount of sleep one gets at night.
Choking or Gasping for Air During Sleep
People with sleep apnea often choke or gasp for air during their sleep—a direct result of their airway becoming blocked.
The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Your Health
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have severe implications for your health. It can increase the risk of conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and depression.
Treating Sleep Apnea with Dr. Kelley Mingus
Sleep apnea treatment exists, and one of the leading methods is through dental interventions. Dr. Kelley Mingus specializes in sleep apnea treatment and uses an innovative approach called Facial Growth Treatment to help patients find relief from their symptoms.
Facial Growth Treatment
This alternative treatment encourages natural jaw growth to open the airway, reducing the occurrences of sleep interruptions. This method is non-invasive and does not rely on nightly equipment like CPAP devices, but rather offers a permanent solution.
Comprehensive Dental Care
From family dentistry to neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Mingus and his dental team are capable of addressing your entire oral health needs— including sleep apnea.
Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of your vital rest and overall health. Choose effective treatments offered by Dr. Kelley Mingus to regain your peaceful sleep and lead a healthier life.