Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Overview:
According to the Mayo Clinic, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most commonly diagnosed sleep disordered breathing conditions. This condition affects an estimated 22 million Americans1. With seemingly “normal” symptoms like: daytime fatigue, frequent morning headaches, snoring, irritability, and difficulty focusing, it’s no wonder that 75-80% of adults remain undiagnosed1. OSA is defined as the relaxation of the soft tissue of throat and tongue which then fall into the airway causing a blockage preventing normal breathing while asleep. This cycle of breathing, blocked airway sleep arousal, and oxygen deprivation repeats throughout the night.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through the use of a sleep study which monitors sleep quality and blood oxygen saturation. It’s characterized as mild, moderate, or severe and has many treatment options ranging from very invasive such as surgery, to non-invasive like a dental device worn during sleep. With the rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea, a number of treatments are available, including a new device! A sleep physician or dental sleep provider are invaluable resources to help choose which treatment is best for you.