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Sleep Apnea

Downtown Dental Studio

General Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Financial District, New York, NY

Around 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Everyone snores a little from time to time, but for some patients, the problem becomes so advanced that it affects their breathing and sleep quality. Downtown Dental Studio in New York’s Financial District works with patients to understand the cause of their sleep apnea so they can effectively treat it. If you’re losing sleep because of breathing difficulty, or your partner is keeping you awake with sleep apnea, call the office or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment today.

Sleep Apnea Q & A

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that occurs when the walls in the back of your throat collapse and completely block air from flowing. When air is blocked, it causes your breath to pause. If you stop breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time, it creates a serious condition known as sleep apnea. 

As a result of chronic interrupted breathing, your blood receives less oxygen. Over time, this puts your body under stress because your heart has to work harder to compensate for the lack of oxygen in your bloodstream. 

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea also results in chronic sleep deprivation, which not only makes you more tired, but also puts you at greater risk of developing health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Mild cases of sleep apnea may be manageable, but if you notice any of the following symptoms, your case could be more advanced:

  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Memory problems
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Unintended weight gain

If you notice any of the signs above are affecting your everyday life, talk to one of the experts at Downtown Dental Studio.

How is sleep apnea treated?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’re probably unaware of your symptoms since they happen while you’re sleeping. Ask your partner to observe you during your sleep or talk to your practitioner to learn about sleep tests that can assess your symptoms. 

Your practitioner gives you a physical exam to determine the cause of your snoring. Based on the results of your exam and sleep test, your provider may suggest:

Night guard

Dental appliances like a night guard reposition your lower jaw and tongue to clear your airway and allow for easier breathing and improved sleeping patterns.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device

A CPAP machine is a sleep-therapy device that sends a constant flow of air pressure to your throat to keep your airway open even when it’s relaxed. This lessens the pauses in your breathing.

Downtown Dental Studio has a number of CPAP devices they use for in-house treatments. If your case of sleep apnea is advanced and you require use of the machine more often, Downtown Dental Studio partners with a provider, so you benefit from quickly obtaining a CPAP machine.

If you aren’t sleeping well because of sleep apnea, call the office or make an appointment online.