Waking Up Exhausted? Get Sleep Apnea Treatment in Jacksonville!

Do you find yourself waking up several times in the middle of the night? Does your significant other have trouble sleeping because you’re constantly snoring? Maybe they’ve even heard you choking as you wake up. Without a proper night’s sleep, staying productive can feel impossible the next day. That’s why your dentist is offering sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville.

If you haven’t considered sleep apnea to be what’s disturbing your sleep, you definitely aren’t the only one. Millions of people have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea around the country. The question is, do they get it treated?

What is Sleep Apnea and What are The Risks?

Sleep apnea, also commonly referred to as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as a cessation of breath. It occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the soft palate and throat, relax, effectively blocking the airway during sleep. For about 10 to 20 seconds, air fails to get into the lungs and a signal is sent to the brain to jumpstart breathing once again. This forces you to wake up, preventing you from getting the deep sleep you need to function.

People with sleep apnea are more likely to have trouble concentrating or retaining information because they are less likely to achieve REM sleep. REM sleep is the deepest cycle of sleep that’s meant to rejuvenate your body and mind. Additionally, the American Sleep Apnea Association states that people with OSA are at higher risk for other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and depression, to name a few.

How Your Dentist Diagnoses Sleep Apnea

If you sleep with a partner, they can provide a pretty accurate diagnosis for snoring and choking during the night. If you find yourself waking up and gasping air several nights, fatigued in the morning, having mood swings throughout the day, or never feeling fully rested, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Jacksonville.

Via a consultation, you can be referred to a sleep physician who can provide an official diagnosis for sleep apnea. This usually involves an assessment or take-home study to record your symptoms. You can also be monitored during sleep to measure specific factors, such as your heartbeat and oxygen levels.

What Treatments are Available for Sleep Apnea?

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine or CPAP machine is considered the standard for treating sleep apnea. This machine is designed to push air through your airway and help overcome any obstruction.

While this machine is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea, many people struggle to wear it at night because they don’t feel comfortable wearing the necessary mask and attachments. That’s where your dentist comes in. If your sleep physician confirms you have sleep apnea, your dentist will fabricate a custom-made oral appliance you wear at night. This device pushes the jaw forward and stretches the soft tissues of your mouth, unblocking the airway.

Don’t wait to get treated for your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville is just a phone call away; get your restful nights back!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Johnson earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He also pursues continued education through his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about his practice and sleep apnea treatments, contact him at (904) 751-4958 or visit his website.