Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This occurs when there are repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. While this occurs, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. This can reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs and cause irregular heart rhythms.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include:
Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Dry Mouth or Sore Throat
Headaches in the morning
Night Sweats
Restlessness during sleep
Snoring
Sleep Apnea is more common in men than in woman. In order to diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a medical and sleep history. The doctor may ask individuals who live with you about your sleeping habits. You may also be asked to perform a sleep test called a polysomnogram or PSG. This will be performed in a sleep lab and will be supervised by a trained technologist.
Once he study is completed and you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, you will be treated in a multitude of ways. You may consult with your dentist to try some dental techniques to help your airways at night.
For more information on how your dentist can help you with your sleep apnea, call Dr. Yamada in Manhattan Beach, CA at 310-546-2595 or visit www.anthonyyamadadds.com.
Dr. Yamada also proudly accepts patients from Manhattan Beach, Ranchos Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Torrance, Playa Del Rey, and surrounding areas.