Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder among overweight or obese people. A person with this condition often wakes up with a terrible headache and daytime tiredness. This results from pauses in breathing while sleeping and inadequate sleep. If you want to know how losing weight can help with your sleep apnea, here are explanations from a sleep medicine dentist.

What sleep apnea is

This is a condition in which the person stops breathing while asleep. This pause can last for seconds or minutes. It can affect a person’s health in a negative way. Inadequate sleep results from waking up gasping for air. This can happen several times during the night.

The person then suffers from daytime sleepiness and exhaustion. Morning headaches are also common in people with this condition because of the lack of brain oxygenation. It can also result from frequent sleep interruptions. These terrible head pains are not part of a healthy lifestyle.

Its connection to excess weight

Research shows that there is a connection between this sleep disorder and obesity. People with excess weight tend to suffer from this condition more. A thorough physical examination can determine if the overweight person is at risk or already has sleep apnea. Measurement of the neck circumference is one way to check. A neck circumference of at least 16 inches in women and 17 inches in men will increase the risk for this condition.

Its connection to weight loss

Studies show that it is possible to correct sleep apnea with weight loss in some patients. A person’s anatomy often affects this part of the treatment. Someone with prominent tonsils, a receded chin, or a deviated septum will still cause this condition to persist despite weight loss. Even so, losing weight will give anyone many health benefits. This may include the improvement of some sleep apnea symptoms.

Research proves that this sleep disorder can slow down a person’s metabolism. Inadequate sleep and improper oxygenation affect the balance of hormones in the body. This then results in a slow metabolic rate. Controlling sleep apnea can help ensure weight loss. A sleep medicine dentist can help make this happen.

How losing weight can help correct sleep apnea

A healthy weight can help improve the symptoms of this sleep disorder. Excess weight tends to form fatty layers in the tongue and neck. This obstructs the person’s breathing, especially while sleeping. Weight loss cuts down the fatty deposits in these areas. This improves the person’s breathing by increasing airway traction and lung volume. These events prevent airway collapse during sleep.

Losing a significant amount of weight can reduce irritability and daytime sleepiness. It can lower insulin resistance and blood pressure. Diet and lifestyle changes through clean living can help the person lose weight and treat sleep apnea. Some people need additional help through medication or even surgery. A dialogue between the patient and the sleep medicine dentist is ideal. It can help determine which weight loss remedy can help the patient most.

Weight loss can help improve your sleep apnea symptoms

Excess weight can cause obstructions in your upper air passages. It is a common cause of breathing pauses while you sleep. This results in many health disorders. Losing weight can help correct sleep apnea symptoms. An appointment with your sleep medicine dentist can answer more of your questions about this particular disorder.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or acute pain in the face or jaw, we invite you to set up a consultation with one of our Orofacial Pain specialists in the NYC metropolitan area. Our office locations and contact information are below.

People with sleep apnea understand how this condition can disrupt lives and affect health. If you are suffering from the signs and symptoms of this illness, you should get help right away. A sleep medicine dentist can help. The dentist may prescribe an oral appliance, which can effectively open your airway and help you to breathe well once again. This treatment might make more sense for you than other interventions.

Understanding sleep apnea: the effects and the signs

When this illness is present, the person suffering from it will stop and start breathing throughout the night during sleep. This can occur because the brain fails to send signals to the respiratory system to breathe properly. Or, it can happen when there is an obstruction in the airway, preventing enough oxygen from getting into the body. If this disease is not addressed, it can cause cardiovascular problems and can even be fatal.

Oral appliance options

Many people think that wearing a CPAP machine or getting surgery are the only ways to combat sleep apnea. There are other choices, and a sleep medicine dentist can help patients choose what makes the most sense. The two most common are tongue depressors and mouthguards. A tongue depressor holds the tongue in place, keeping it from rolling to the back of the mouth and blocking the airway. A mouthguard will custom-fit the wearer and push the jaw down and forward. This opens the airway more and helps to prevent the sudden stopping of breathing at night.

Less equipment to worry about

While CPAP machines can work well to promote effective breathing, they are not always the right option. Some people struggle with them because of the amount of equipment they come with. With oral appliances to treat sleep apnea, patients do not have to deal with extra parts. These include hoses, cords, face masks, and other apparatuses the devices have. This can be especially beneficial when traveling or when going camping.

Adjustments when necessary

The dentist will not have difficulties adjusting the mouthguard or tongue depressor. There may be times when the appliances stop fitting well or are no longer working properly. All the patient has to do is make an appointment with the dentist and come in for another fitting. It may only take a few minor tweaks to the appliance to help it fit well once more. It is also not as difficult to replace a depressor or mouthguard if they break.

Cost-effective

In most cases, an oral appliance will not be as much of a financial commitment as a CPAP machine. This is also the case when comparing a mouthguard or a tongue depressor to having surgery. If finances are a concern, the patient should speak with the dentist about using mouth appliances to treat sleep apnea. Most insurance plans should cover using this treatment.

An effective difference

If you have concerns about using a CPAP machine or undergoing surgery, there are alternatives. Talk to your sleep medicine dentist about whether you are a good candidate for oral appliances. Wearing these at night could help you breathe well while you sleep. There are clear benefits to using this approach to fight sleep apnea.

Living with sleep apnea can be scary for both you and your family members. This condition is nothing you should dismiss or shrug off. If you have this issue, you repeatedly stop breathing in the night. The consequences can cause you not to get enough sleep at night. Worse, it could eventually lead to heart problems, including heart attacks or strokes. You should speak to your dentist right away about the most effective ways to treat this serious health condition.

The warning signs

Determining that a person has sleep apnea does not have to be guesswork. There are some clear signs that an individual might be struggling with this disease. One of the most obvious is snoring, which a bed partner could readily point out. Snoring occurs when relaxed or enlarged muscles or tissues in the mouth or throat are preventing proper airflow. The restricted air vibrates as the person tries to breathe.

Other signs are effects of waking up several times in the night as the person stops breathing and suddenly restarts. These include irritability and being short-tempered. A person with sleep apnea may also be exhausted the next day or have trouble focusing. High blood pressure can also be a result of this condition.

Meeting with the dentist

Before taking any treatment action, an individual should consult a sleep medicine dentist. This professional has the knowledge and training to make a proper diagnosis. The dentist will examine the patient and will take X-rays of the mouth and throat to identify airway blockage. This examination enables the dentist to prescribe the right treatment.

Treating sleep apnea with a mouthguard

When people think of dental appliances, they might think of devices to hold teeth in place or to prevent teeth-grinding. Such an apparatus can also treat sleep apnea. The dentist can custom-make a mouthguard to fit over the patient’s teeth and push the jaw down and forward. This will open the airway and allow for more airflow while the person sleeps. The dentist can adjust the mouthguard as necessary.

Tongue depressor

Another way in which a person’s airflow has blockage is when the tongue rolls to the back of the mouth. This can make it difficult for oxygen to get into and out of the airway. A tongue depressor holds the tongue in place during sleep. The patient should only wear it when they are sleeping.

Surgeries

When mouth appliances are not enough to treat sleep apnea, surgery might be necessary. The dentist will determine what operations are necessary. These may include removing excess tissue or creating more room in the airway. Patients may have tonsils or adenoids removed. The dentist might have to trim other abnormally large tissues to improve the flow of air in the mouth.

Treat your condition now

Never put off a visit to the sleep medicine dentist if you are struggling with sleep apnea. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to experience serious problems. A device such as a tongue depressor or mouthguard could be just what you need to treat this condition. Talk to your dentist about what makes the most sense for you.

Sleep apnea is an under-recognized medical condition that can be diagnosed and treated by a sleep apnea specialist. Sleep apnea can lead to hypertension, heart disease, depression, and even death when sleep apnea goes untreated. Some dental sleep apnea specialists can prescribe appliances or oral mandibular advancement devices that prevent the tongue from blocking the throat or advancing the lower jaw. These devices are an excellent alternative for those who have trouble tolerating a continuous positive airway pressure machine.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea

There are three forms of sleep apnea, but the most common of the three is obstructive sleep apnea, and this is the form that a dentist who is an asleep apnea specialist can help you with. Obstructive sleep apnea causes the muscles in the back of your throat to relax too much. These muscles are there to support the tongue, tonsils, roof of your mouth known as the soft palate, and the teardrop-shaped piece of soft tissue that hangs down from the roof of your mouth, also known as the uvula.

When these muscles become too relaxed, it narrows your airway and brings about a pause in your breathing that will repeat itself during the night as you sleep. This often lowers the oxygen level in your blood and causes a buildup of carbon dioxide. When this happens, your brain senses the pause and briefly rouses you from sleep, alerting you to reopen your airway. This pattern might repeat itself up to 30 times per hour during the night, disrupting your sleep which is why you may feel sleepy during waking hours.

• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Waking abruptly while gasping for air or choking
• Awakening with a dry mouth or a sore throat
• High blood pressure
• Feeling excessively sleepy during the day
• Morning headache
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes such as depression or irritability
• Loud snoring

Your dentist can help with sleep apnea

Once a dentist who is also a sleep apnea specialist has decided you are a candidate for this treatment, he or she will make an impression of your teeth and have the device made. Later they will call you back for a fitting. When you are given the device, you will also be given a morning repositioner to realign your bite each time you remove the appliance.

Using the appliance will keep your airway open and allow you to get a good night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep is good for your heart and helps you control your weight. When you sleep better, you make less ghrelin which is the hormone that stimulates appetite, and you make more of the hormone leptin that reduces appetite. Sleep also improves memory and concentration. An added benefit is that your snoring will be reduced, and for anyone sleeping alongside you or within earshot, they will sleep better, and you will have the peace of mind that you are not just helping yourself but also the ones you care most about.

If you are new to sleep apnea, it can be hard to tell if you need the help of a sleep apnea specialist. As a dental patient, you may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea without even realizing it. This is because many different symptoms can go unnoticed by the individual. However, if you have been feeling tired throughout the day and struggling to focus on your daily tasks, then this could mean that you need to see a Sleep Apnea Specialist for further evaluation. Here are five signs that your specialist may notice during your next appointment that might indicate that you should see a specialist:

1. Trouble staying asleep

Many people with this condition may go to bed and wake up in the morning without even remembering that they were awake during the night. This is because sleep apnea causes your brain to completely shut off when you’re sleeping, so you may not remember what happened when you were in a deep sleep. If this has been happening every night for longer than a few weeks, it may be time to talk to a specialist.

You feel tired throughout the day and find that you have trouble staying focused on daily tasks. If you find yourself yawning throughout the day or struggling to concentrate at work, then you might have sleep apnea. You must see a specialist as soon as possible to better diagnose the problem.

2. Snoring or gasping sounds while sleeping

If you or your bed partner has noticed that you’re making unusual sounds while sleeping, then this may also be a sign of sleep apnea. It could mean that your airway is obstructed because of the way that your tongue is positioned in your mouth. People with this condition may also breathe heavily or stop breathing altogether during the night, which means that your partner could notice these symptoms too. This is something that you should bring up to a specialist at your earliest convenience.

3. Fatigued throughout the day

If you don’t get enough sleep at night, then you’re more likely to be tired during the day and struggle with focusing on your daily tasks. This is very common for people who are suffering from sleep apnea because they’ll wake up several times throughout the night and not get enough rest. This is something that you should bring up to your dentist at your next appointment.

4. Trouble breathing while sleeping

Snoring is one of the most obvious symptoms when it comes to sleep apnea, but this isn’t the only symptom. People who suffer from this condition will also struggle to breathe while they’re asleep, which means you may have trouble waking up in the morning because you’ve slept for so long. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to talk to a specialist about your symptoms as soon as possible.

5. Sore throat in the morning

Your dentist may notice that you’re having trouble waking up because you’re sleeping with your mouth open, which means that your airway is obstructed when you’re sleeping. This also means that your throat will become sore when you wake up in the morning because of how long it has been since anyone has given it a break. If your dentist notices this, then it’s time to talk about your symptoms with a specialist as soon as possible.

If you’ve noticed that you’re fatigued throughout the day and struggling to stay concentrated on tasks at work or school, then it might be time to talk to a sleep apnea specialist about your condition. This is because fatigue and lack of concentration are both symptoms of sleep apnea, which is why many people may not know that they have the disorder. If you feel tired throughout the day, this could be a sign that your airway has been obstructed while you’re sleeping.

These are just a few of the most common signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnea and need to see a specialist. If you feel like any of these symptoms could apply to you, then make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, and they will give you the diagnosis and treatment that you need.

Looking for information on the topic of sleep apnea? This dental-related condition can affect both children and adults, and because it can be quite serious, getting treatment as soon as possible is necessary. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral appliance benefits

Understanding the benefits that come with each sleep apnea solution is a great idea. These benefits are especially important for children who have been diagnosed with this common sleeping condition, as it is often more difficult to treat children vs. adults. These benefits include but are not limited to: being comfortable to wear and being easy to wear, use and care for.

How sleep apnea can affect children

Children who suffer from sleep apnea are not getting the sleep they need during the night, which will affect them during the day. Common ways that this sleeping disorder can negatively affect children include feeling tired throughout the day, performing poorly in school, potential bedwetting problems and even learning and behavior disorders. This makes it essential for parents to pay close attention to their child, as their behavior could be due to them not getting enough sleep during the night.

Causes and risk factors

The most common cause of sleep apnea in children is due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. While the most common cause of sleep apnea in adults is due to obesity, it is less common for children who are obese to be diagnosed with this common sleeping disorder. Risk factors that can increase a child’s chances of being diagnosed with sleep apnea include finding out that they have cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, neuromuscular disease, face abnormalities and a family history of sleep apnea.

Treatment options

There are a few different treatment options available for children who have been diagnosed with this sleeping disorder. These include using oral appliances in order to open up the child’s upper airway, using a CPAP machine to keep their airway open, removing their tonsils and adenoids and prescribing certain medications that are proven to help children diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea.

In need of a diagnosis?

Parents who believe their child might have sleep apnea need to make an appointment with their primary care professional in order to get a proper diagnosis. If a child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, then the primary care professional will work with dental professionals in order to find the optimal solution.

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that affects a lot of people each night. The symptoms can cause serious problems for patients if they go ignored. Some of the symptoms include snoring, shortness of breath or an inability to breathe throughout the night.

Want to learn more about sleep apnea? In this article, we discuss what can happen if it goes untreated. This information is important to take note of, especially for patients who believe they are suffering from sleep apnea. Any symptoms should be immediately addressed by a dentist who can administer treatment.

What can happen if sleep apnea goes untreated?

Below, we outline what can happen if sleep apnea goes ignored. Keep reading to find out more!

High blood pressure

When a patient experiences apnea while asleep, it typically causes their blood oxygen levels to plummet. When this occurs, the blood pressure increases significantly, which can cause strain on the entire cardiovascular system. In the long term, if sleep apnea goes untreated, the high blood pressure can result in irreparable damage to the entire cardiovascular system.

Fatigue

One of the most obvious things that can happen when sleep apnea goes untreated is fatigue. Most patients who suffer from this condition do not get a good night’s sleep. Repeatedly waking up in the middle of the night due to the airway becoming obstructed can become very disruptive. Long-term, fatigue can cause problems with the patient’s personal and professional life. Outside of that, the patient’s health can become at risk. Sleep is important and without it, the body will not function the way that it is supposed to.

Headaches

Another long-term result of untreated sleep apnea is headaches. These can occur on a frequent basis even when sleep apnea first begins. Headaches can also cause severe problems for a patient’s personal and professional life. They may inhibit a person from performing necessary tasks such as work or caring for their families.

Memory problems

Sleep apnea is also known to cause memory problems for patients who do not undergo treatment. When a patient’s sleep is repeatedly disrupted by the obstruction in their airway, it is likely that they will become fatigued. Fatigue can lead to short-term memory loss, which could eventually turn into long-term. Over time, if the sleep apnea is not treated, the patient’s memory could suffer severely.

Sleep apnea treatment

It is important to have symptoms of sleep apnea diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. The information provided in this article only outlines some of the possible things that could happen; there are many other conditions that could develop as a result of untreated sleep apnea.

If you have questions or concerns about treating sleep apnea, then reach out to our office so that we can help you. Our team can go over your symptoms and help determine what type of treatment route is best for you.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated effectively. The longer you wait to address this issue, the biggest risks you will have. You could develop other health problems, including cardiovascular troubles. Fortunately, there are ways that you can treat this illness and overcome its symptoms. Your dentist may recommend wearing an oral appliance while you sleep. Before you start this treatment, the dentist will explain what will take place and what the benefits will be.

Avoiding sleep apnea

Certain types of people have a higher risk of developing this disease than others. Lifestyle factors can play a role, so there are things people can do to stay away from this condition. Obesity and being overweight increase a person’s chances of having the illness. Exercising and eating right can control weight effectively.

Limiting or avoiding alcohol will also help to prevent sleep apnea. Not smoking will also remove risk factors. However, age and genetics can also contribute to having this condition. So, for some people it is difficult or impossible to stay away from.

The dentist is a good resource

Many people think first of a sleep doctor or a general physician to treat sleep apnea. While these health professionals can diagnose the condition and treat it, a dentist will usually take a different approach. Doctors often turn to CPAP machines or surgery to improve airflow. However, the dentist prefers oral appliances. To decide whether this makes sense for the patient, the dentist will examine them, looking for blockage in the airway due to excess tissue in the mouth or throat. The dentist can custom-make an oral device that fits over the person’s jaw.

Worn only during sleep

Unlike dentures, retainers, or other common oral appliances, apparatuses to treat sleep apnea are for sleep time use only. The patient will put in the appliance before going to bed. A tongue depressor holds the tongue in place, keeping it from moving to the back of the mouth and blocking the airway. A mouthguard pushes the jaw down and forward, opening the airway more and preventing the restriction of airflow.

Not as invasive

CPAP machines can be effective at opening the airway and promoting proper breathing during the night. Many people do not prefer this treatment for sleep apnea, though, because it includes a lot of equipment. With an oral appliance, the wearer will not have to worry about machinery and extra cords and hoses. Storage and transportation is a non-issue with oral appliances. People who are camping or traveling can enjoy these benefits.

Talk to the dentist

You should pay attention to the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. If you believe you have this condition, make an appointment with your sleep medicine dentist right away. After a thorough examination, the dentist can confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment. By wearing an oral appliance while you sleep, you can open the previously blocked airway and breathe well at night once again. As a result, you can avoid many of the health problems that this condition can cause.

Sleep apnea is a sleep condition that causes one’s breathing to pause recurrently and temporarily during sleep. Once breathing stops, the brain forces the body to wake up and continue breathing. The sleeping disruption prevents good sleep and causes you to feel drowsy and tired during the day. Daytime sleepiness is not the only consequence of sleep apnea; without treatment, it can lead to other health complications, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The health effects of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when there is a blockage in the air passages while sleeping. When breathing stops momentarily, the person might produce a loud snort or wake up with a choking feeling after the brain initiates the wake-up alert. Several health conditions have been associated with sleep apnea. These conditions, coupled with the effects of sleep deprivation, can be detrimental to body systems.

High blood pressure

Sleep apnea can worsen hypertension in patients. Poor sleep and recurrent wakeups at night stress the body. The blood pressure level rises when the hormone system is poorly regulated. The blood’s oxygen levels drop with continuous breath stoppage, which can be as many as 100 times in an hour, lasting for more than 10 seconds in each episode. Visiting the sleep apnea specialist for treatment can help manage blood pressure.

Cardiovascular issues

Sleep apnea can also contribute to heart attacks. Scientists believe that this is due to low oxygen levels and stress from waking up repeatedly. It can also cause stroke and atrial fibrillation. The condition compromises oxygen delivery to the body, making it harder for the brain to manage blood flow in the arteries and the brain.

Diabetes

This condition is prevalent among people with diabetes. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, which affects how the body processes insulin. When the body does not absorb insulin normally, patients can develop type-2 diabetes.

Weight gain

Gaining extra weight can increase the risk of sleep apnea. The condition can make weight loss efforts harder and unsuccessful.

Accidents

Sleep deprivation causes daytime drowsiness. One can drift into sleep behind the wheel. Sleep apnea patients are at a higher risk of accidents.

The need for treatment

Undergoing treatment at the sleep dentist’s office can help patients get a good night’s rest. It has many health benefits besides waking up in the morning feeling invigorated. Good sleep improves cognitive functions and reduces the risk of health complications. The sleep dentist can screen patients for sleep apnea through a sleep study. After a diagnosis, they will discuss treatment options to keep the airways open during sleep.

In conclusion

Sleep apnea can make a night’s sleep feel like a futile effort and can increase the risk of many health conditions that affect major body systems, from the endocrine and digestive to the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular. Treatment options typically include dental appliances and continuous positive airway pressure devices, which ensure constant airflow to the lungs during sleep.