Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop while you sleep. These pauses can last just a few seconds to more than a minute at a time, and they can occur hundreds of times a night in some cases. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea, and it occurs when the tongue or other soft tissues obstruct the airway. Your breathing stops, and your brain rouses your body in response to the lack of oxygen. Your breathing will often resume with a loud snort, gasp or choke. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, our Los Angeles sleep apnea dentist can help.
Sleep Apnea Los Angeles
Without treatment, sleep apnea can significantly raise your risk of serious health problems. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed. Your risk of sleep apnea may be higher if you are overweight or obese, older or male. It is also more likely in those with narrow throats, enlarged tonsils or a family history of the disorder, but it can occur in anyone of any age. At your consultation, our expert in sleep apnea in Los Angeles will perform a physical exam, take a medical history and evaluate your symptoms, which may include:
• Snoring that is particularly loud and unrelenting
• Snoring that is punctuated by gasping or choking sounds or sensations
• Insomnia or frequently waking at night
• Waking with a headache, a sore throat or a dry mouth
• Feeling sleepy or unusually fatigued during the daytime even after a full night’s sleep
• Depression and anxiety
• Unexplained weight gain
Symptoms of sleep apnea may indicate the need for a sleep study, which may be performed at your home or in a sleep clinic, depending on your needs. Our Los Angeles sleep apnea dentist may recommend an oral appliance to alleviate symptoms. The oral appliance fits in your mouth like a night guard, and it gently repositions the lower jaw, which helps keep the airway open.
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