What is Sleep Apnea and How Dangerous Can It Be?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively, causing a blockage of the airway. This interruption in breathing can last for several seconds and can occur multiple times an hour, leading to significant disruptions in sleep.
Dr. Mike Deldar, sleep apnea dentist in Noblesville:
“Sleep apnea is dangerous for several reasons. It decreases the oxygen levels in your blood, which puts a strain on your cardiovascular system. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even premature death. The chronic fatigue associated with sleep apnea also increases the risk of accidents and impairs overall quality of life. But rest assured, at Deldar Dental we can help.”
How Sleep Apnea Affects an Individual’s Life
Living with sleep apnea is challenging and can dramatically affect both nights and days. Here’s a detailed look at how this sleep disorder unfolds:
Nights
For those with sleep apnea, nights are often marked by restless, fragmented sleep. The frequent awakenings caused by breathing interruptions prevent individuals from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Symptoms during the night include:
- Loud Snoring: One of the most noticeable signs, often prompting partners to seek medical help.
- Gasping or Choking Sounds: The body’s reflex to resume breathing after an episode.
- Restless Sleep: Frequent tossing and turning as the body struggles for air.
- Night Sweats: Excessive sweating due to the effort of repeatedly waking up and struggling to breathe.
Days
The consequences of poor sleep extend into daytime, significantly affecting daily life:
- Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness regardless of how long one sleeps.
- Daytime Sleepiness: An overwhelming urge to nap, which can be dangerous, especially when driving or operating machinery.
- Poor Concentration: Difficulty focusing, leading to decreased productivity and increased errors at work or school.
- Mood Swings: Irritability, anxiety, and depression due to chronic sleep deprivation.
- Physical Health Issues: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain.
The Role of a Quality Sleep Apnea Appliance
A well-designed sleep apnea appliance can make a significant difference in the life of someone suffering from this disorder. These appliances are custom-made devices worn during sleep to keep the airway open. Dr. Mike Deldar at Deldar Dental in Noblesville provides effective sleep apnea appliances tailored to fit each patient perfectly.
How Dr. Mike Deldar Provides Effective Sleep Apnea Appliances
Dr. Deldar’s approach to treating sleep apnea involves a thorough examination and diagnosis process. He takes the time to understand the specific needs and anatomy of each patient to create a custom-fitted appliance. Here’s how Dr. Deldar ensures the effectiveness of these devices:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Deldar conducts a detailed evaluation of the patient’s oral and airway anatomy, as well as their sleep patterns and symptoms.
- Custom Fitting: The sleep apnea appliance is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth precisely, ensuring comfort and effectiveness.
- Adjustments and Follow-Up: Dr. Deldar ensures that the appliance is adjusted correctly and follows up regularly to make necessary modifications for optimal results.
- Holistic Approach: By considering the overall health and lifestyle of the patient, Dr. Deldar provides a holistic treatment plan that includes the appliance and other recommendations to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
The Importance of Proper Fit
The effectiveness of a sleep apnea appliance greatly depends on how well it fits. An ill-fitting device can be uncomfortable, cause jaw pain, or fail to keep the airway open. Dr. Deldar’s meticulous approach to fitting ensures that the appliance is not only effective in treating sleep apnea but also comfortable enough to be worn consistently every night.
Don’t Wait to Seek Help
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can drastically affect an individual’s health and quality of life. The chronic fatigue, poor concentration, and health risks associated with sleep apnea make it essential to seek effective treatment. Dr. Mike Deldar at Deldar Dental in Noblesville provides custom-fitted sleep apnea appliances that can transform the lives of those suffering from this disorder. His commitment to a personalized, holistic approach ensures that each patient receives the best possible care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule a sleep apnea diagnosis appointment with Dr. Mike Deldar at Deldar Dental. He also serves patients from Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Lapel, and Hamilton County. Take the first step toward better sleep and improved health today.
