What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes disruption in your breathing patterns as you sleep. These interruptions can happen dozens of times in an hour, causing you to lose sleep and ultimately, affecting you daytime activities. If left untreated, sleep apnea symptoms can become more serious, potentially causing heart disease and contributing to diabetes.
Proactive diagnosis, tailored treatment, and compassionate methods are critical steps to helping you get the sleep you deserve. Dr. Regina M. Dailey, our Ann Arbor dentist, is your wellness partner in helping your lack of sleep become a thing of the past.
Symptoms & Causes Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and its symptoms can affect every aspect of your life. Beyond affecting your ability to sleep, many of the symptoms can cause wide-ranging health issues, putting you at risk for serious complications. Sleep apnea can give rise to a variety of outstanding health issues which an an overall impact on the quality of your life. Excessive daytime sleepiness related to sleep apnea my lead to the following:
- Brain fog
- Memory problems
- Falling asleep when you’re supposed to be awake
- Strain on family life and relationships
- Poor job performance, which may lead to loss of employment
- Impaired critical thinking skills
Knowing the causes and symptoms of this breathing disorder can help you receive a diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible. At Dr. Dailey’s Ann Arbor office, sleep apnea screenings and awareness help patients better identify the warning signs prior to a screening. Our mission is to ensure your night’s rest is sound and healthy.
Managing Sleep Apnea
Imagine waking up each morning feeling refreshed and ready for a successful day. With proper treatment at our Ann Arbor practice, your sleep apnea is a manageable disorder. By coordinating care with your physician, Dr. Dailey can help you get a better night’s sleep by developing a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Managing sleep apnea initially requires a visit to us, as the disorder is fairly standard and easy to treat, giving you a better night’s rest.
Preventing any health complications from arising due to lack of sleep is our number one goal for you.
Dr. Dailey Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep apnea can be a difficult disorder to understand, so we’ve complied a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand this serious sleep disorder. Dr. Dailey is dedicated to educating patients about sleep apnea so that they can identify the signs and get the treatment they deserve.
What is the Cause of Sleep Apnea?
Numerous conditions can cause a person to suffer from sleep apnea. In adults, the most common cause is excess weight and obesity. Both of these affect the soft tissues in the mouth and throat, which increases the likelihood of having an apnea episode.
Other risk factors include genetics, anatomical features (E.g., a narrow throat or thick neck), allergies, and other medical conditions such as a deviated septum that causes congestion in the upper airways.
It’s also important to note that smoking or excessive alcohol consumption is often associates with sleep apnea.
Is Sleep Apnea Deadly?
Sleep apnea is rarely the cause of death. However, leaving your sleep apnea untreated can lead to severe — and even deadly — consequences. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, depression, headaches, and an inability to focus.
Is There a Way to Tell if You Have Sleep Apnea?
The only way to know for certain if you suffer from sleep apnea is to complete a sleep study and consult a sleep specialist like Dr. Regina M. Dailey. She will analyze your results and discuss the available treatment options.
With that said, some of the signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Waking up with a headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Memory problems
Is it Possible for Sleep Apnea to Go Away Without Treatment?
Unfortunately, sleep apnea will not go away on its own. While making certain lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, eating better, and quitting smoking or excessive drinking — may decrease some of the symptoms, it’s crucial that you get an official diagnosis from your primary care physician.
With a prescription for treatment in-hand, Dr. Dailey can create a custom-fitted oral appliance that will allow you to get the sleep you deserve.
Discover Our Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Request Your Consultation with Dr. Dailey
734-996-0055
Your wellness and sleep success is why we’re here. Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from getting the sleep you deserve. Dr. Dailey and her compassionate team can help you learn to manage your sleep apnea. Contact our Ann Arbor dentist today to schedule an appointment and see how our sleep apnea treatments can help you get a solid night’s rest.