Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up feeling tired all the time despite sleeping for seven to nine hours? Are you greeted by a headache or sore throat most mornings? Have you woken up in the middle of the night sweating or feeling out of breath?

If any of this sounds familiar or applies to a loved one, then the cause may be sleep apnea. This disorder not only leads to persistent exhaustion, but also drastically increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even motor vehicle accidents. Fortunately, Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Diana Keder can provide the help our tired patients need.

How Sleep Apnea Works & What We Can Do About It

The most common form of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. During the night, the tongue falls into the back of the throat, and the tissues of the upper airway collapse together. As a result, the body has to partially wake up to restore breathing. This restarts the sleep cycle over and over again, preventing someone from reaching the deeper phases that help them feel rested and energized the next day.

After someone has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the most popular form of treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. This involves wearing a mask to bed that is connected to an air pump. The interruptions in breathing are prevented by a steady stream of oxygen forced into the throat. If this doesn’t sound restful, then you’re not alone! Roughly 50% of people prescribed to use CPAP stop within the first year because of the noise and discomfort caused by the machine.

But we can offer an alternative by providing patients with a special oral appliance they only wear to bed. Custom-designed for each person, it gently shifts the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and the patient asleep. It’s designed with comfort in mind, doesn’t make any noise (in fact it can stop snoring), and is much easier to pack and travel with.

If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea, or if you’re tired of your CPAP, schedule an appointment today so we can perform a screening and help you start getting the rest you deserve.