For many people, snoring is treated as an annoyance — or something the rest of the family jokes about the next morning.
However, loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating and persistent daytime fatigue may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA occurs when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, interrupting normal breathing and causing recurring drops in oxygen.
Untreated OSA has been associated with high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, depression, memory and concentration problems and an increased risk of driving or workplace accidents caused by daytime sleepiness.
Here at higher elevation, nighttime oxygen changes may be even more significant.
Helping people recognize and address sleep-disordered breathing has become a genuine passion of mine. Too many patients believe their only choices are to tolerate a CPAP machine or live with poor sleep. CPAP remains an excellent treatment, but some people struggle with mask discomfort, leakage, dryness, noise or claustrophobia.
For appropriately selected patients, a custom oral appliance may offer another option.
These comfortable, professionally fitted devices support the lower jaw in a forward position, helping keep the airway open during sleep. Treatment should begin with evaluation and diagnosis, often in cooperation with a physician or sleep specialist.
At San Juan Dental, we are trained to recognize signs of sleep-disordered breathing and help patients explore appropriate treatment options. Our goal is to help our neighbors breathe more comfortably, sleep more deeply and wake up feeling refreshed.
Your spouse may have recognized the problem long before you did. If snoring, exhaustion or CPAP frustration is keeping your household awake, call San Juan Dental — before someone officially moves into the guest room.
San Juan Dental is part of the Pagosa Springs SUN Community Connect sponsored content program.
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