Sleep Apnea Treatment Arlington Heights

Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to diagnose sleep apnea by yourself. Although many of the symptoms might indicate that you have the disorder, they won’t be the defining factor that verifies your suspicion. The best way to know for certain is by getting an official diagnosis from a sleep doctor, especially since different kinds of sleep apnea will need particular treatment approaches. In some instances, things like Apple Watches can help offer data regarding your sleep, but they won’t provide comprehensive testing for sleep apnea. A sleep test performed by a qualified sleep doctor will give you the exact information required to determine the type of sleep apnea you might have.

Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Since dentists have expertise in teeth, gums, and oral health, they’re also specifically trained in upper respiratory health, making them incredibly important for sleep apnea treatment. Some dental professionals offer help for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), such as a custom-made oral appliance that can reposition the lower jaw and keep the mouth and neck tissues from obstructing the airways. Additionally, visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups can serve as a comprehensive approach to addressing both your oral health and sleep-related problems.

Will Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?

Having excess weight can be one of the many contributing factors to developing sleep apnea. This is because this condition can increase the risk of obstructing the airways due to the extra tissue in the neck and mouth. By losing weight, you can help reduce the amount of tissue surrounding the airway, allowing you to breathe better during rest.

That said, excess weight is only one of several factors, so it’s possible to still experience sleep apnea even after shedding a few pounds. To know whether your situation has gotten better or persists, you’ll likely require an additional sleep test. You’ll want to work closely with your healthcare professionals so that you can keep track of your progress and continue developing a better approach for treating your specific sleep apnea condition.

Will Oral Appliance Therapy Make CPAP Therapy Unnecessary?

In some cases, oral appliance therapy is so comfortable and efficient that it can make a CPAP machine unnecessary for certain patients, especially if their situation is mild to moderate and CPAP therapy is uncomfortable for them. With a CPAP machine, a patient will need to wear a mask that provides air through the airways, which is quite effective. Still, around half of prescribed CPAP users find it difficult to comply with this method.

For people with severe sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy by itself may not be enough to treat their symptoms. You’ll need to consult both your sleep doctor and dentist, as they may be able to develop a more comfortable and effective plan tailored to your specific needs.

Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is simply the sound that occurs when air moves past tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate. In many cases, snoring is an occasional occurrence and is nothing to be concerned about.

However, in some instances, the tissues that vibrate when you snore can completely block the airway, leading to pauses in breathing (known as apneas). Therefore, loud and frequent snoring is often seen as a major indicator that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be present.

It is also worth bearing in mind that in some cases, OSA happens without any snoring at all.

Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?

Professional treatment is the best and most reliable way to address sleep apnea. However, there may be steps you can take at home to reduce the severity of your symptoms and enjoy higher-quality sleep. Here are some suggestions that might help:

• Sleep at a slight incline or on your side (as opposed to flat on your back).
• Do not consume alcohol or caffeine too close to bedtime.
• Get enough exercise, and do your best to manage your weight.
• Use essential oils or a weighted blanket to help you relax at night.
• Try not to use devices that emit blue light during the last few hours before bedtime.
• Maintain a clean and tidy home in order to reduce the presence of allergens that can cause nasal congestion.

How Should I Clean My Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance?

Keeping your appliance clean can prevent it from accumulating odors and bacteria. It can also protect your oral health. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Rinse your appliance each morning and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and a mild cleaning agent.
• Store your appliance in its case whenever you are not using it.
• Soak your appliance in denture cleanser at least once a week.
• Do not use extremely hot water to clean your appliance; the high temperature could warp it.

Who Is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

OSA is most common among the following groups:

• Men
• Postmenopausal women
• Overweight and obese individuals
• People with an untreated tongue tie
• Those who suffer from nasal allergies
• Smokers

Remember, even young people who seem to be in excellent health can develop sleep apnea! Even if you do not believe you are at risk, you should still monitor the quality of your sleep and seek professional help if you are struggling to feel well-rested, or if your partner has noticed that you sometimes stop breathing at night.