Snoring, tossing, turning, and waking up tired aren’t just part of a poor night’s sleep, especially if they occur regularly. For many patients, sleep apnea is at the root of such symptoms. With this condition, a person’s breathing is interrupted as they sleep, causing short-term tiredness and long-term disease risk. Here, readers will learn more about the condition and Chicago sleep apnea treatment.
Many Have It, Few Know It
Many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed, which means the condition is more common than some believe. That’s especially true of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common type. It occurs when the patient’s airway becomes blocked as they sleep, and it affects roughly 24% of men. However, out of those reporting unsatisfying sleep, up to 80% may have undiagnosed OSA.
It Causes Serious Complications
Sleep apnea does more than interrupt a good night’s sleep. Over the years, it may lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and other severe conditions. If a person has symptoms, or if their bed partner notices a problem, an overnight sleep study may be an option for Chicago patients looking for sleep apnea treatment.
It’s Highly Treatable
There are numerous ways to handle sleep apnea. As obesity is a primary risk factor, weight loss is enormously beneficial. Those with sleep apnea should avoid sedatives and alcohol, and they should consider making changes in their sleeping habits. For instance, some may see relief by simply not sleeping on their backs. However, these changes don’t work in every case, which is why CPAP (constant positive airway pressure) masks are such a common treatment.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that not only affects a patient’s nighttime sleeping patterns; it can affect their long-term health. Fortunately, it’s very treatable in most cases. Visit our website to learn more or call the Art Of Modern Dentistry to set up a free consultation.
