14034 – 23 Avenue, Terwillegar Heights Towne Square, Edmonton, AB T6R 3L6

SLEEP APNEA

GET THE SLEEP YOU DESERVE!

More than one million Canadians have sleep disorders. These problems often go undetected or misdiagnosed. One type of disorder, sleep apnea, affects people of all ages. Untreated sleep apnea affects your general well-being by increasing your likelihood of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, or Type 2 diabetes. Some other consequences of sleep apnea are impaired memory and concentration, daytime sleepiness, teeth clenching, headaches, and mood changes resulting from jaw and facial pain.

SLEEP APNEA SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Family members are usually the first to pick up on the signs of sleep apnea. The most common signs and symptoms are:

  • Gasping for air or choking/coughing during sleep.
  • Loud snoring followed by silent pauses.
  • Feeling unrefreshed or tired after a night’s sleep.
  • Morning headaches.
  • Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth.
  • Poor concentration or memory loss.
  • Urinating frequently throughout the night.

It is important to recognize that having one or more of these signs and symptoms does not mean you have sleep apnea.

If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, we invite you to schedule a professional evaluation with our office.

WHAT IS THE MAIN TYPE OF SLEEP APNEA?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep disorder. It is characterized by airflow blockages lasting more than 10 seconds. OSA can be caused by excessive tissue in the back of the tongue, throat, or nose. OSA is classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how many times per hour these blockages occur. These airway blockages can occur as few as five and as many as 60 times per hour.

Our office uses a custom dental appliance worn during the night to correct mild and moderate OSA. If your sleep apnea is caused by tongue pressure collapsing your airway passage or by incorrect positioning of the jaw, an oral sleep appliance can correct this problem. This custom appliance is removable, worn only at night, and resembles an athletic mouth guard.

Severe sleep apnea is best treated with a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) ventilator blowing air into the lungs through a mask strapped around the head. CPAP is sometimes used in combination with an oral sleep appliance as well. Most people with OSA prefer to wear a mouth appliance if possible.

YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY BY:

  • Maintaining proper weight and getting regular exercise.
  • Eliminating alcohol, tobacco, sedatives, caffeine, & carbohydrates.
  • Sleeping on your side with a comfortable pillow.

Call our office today at 780.435.3784 to schedule your sleep consultation and learn how we can help you get the sleep you deserve!

*services provided by general dentists