Are you constantly tired despite getting a full night’s sleep? Do you wake up with headaches or feel groggy throughout the day? You might be suffering from sleep apnea. At Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines, NC, we offer effective solutions to help you reclaim restful nights and energetic days.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last from seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour. When this happens, your body and brain don’t receive enough oxygen.
Most people have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when throat muscles relax too much during sleep, causing soft tissue to collapse and block your airway. Your brain briefly rouses you to resume breathing. These awakenings are usually so brief you don’t remember them, but they prevent you from reaching the deep, restful sleep your body needs.
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Symptoms and Risk Factors
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea because the most obvious symptoms occur during sleep. You might first learn about your condition when a sleep partner notices your loud snoring or breathing pauses.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, dry mouth or sore throat, high blood pressure, and night sweats. If you experience these symptoms, seek evaluation promptly. Sleep apnea is more than just annoying – untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.
Sleep apnea risk increases after age 40, with men affected more frequently than women until menopause, when women’s risk increases. Excess weight is a significant factor as fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing. Physical features like a thick neck, narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or small jaw increase risk. Family history suggests a possible genetic component. Smoking, alcohol, and sedatives can worsen symptoms. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disorders are also associated with higher risk.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable Solution
Dr. Gessell offers an effective alternative to traditional CPAP machines – oral appliance therapy. These custom-made devices fit comfortably in your mouth, similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer.
Oral appliances work by repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. They’re designed specifically for your mouth based on impressions of your teeth, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Oral appliances are more comfortable and convenient than CPAP machines for many patients. They’re small, portable, and don’t require electricity, making them ideal for travel. Studies show they effectively reduce sleep apnea symptoms for patients with mild to moderate OSA. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are silent, allowing both you and your partner to sleep peacefully. They’re also easy to maintain with simple daily cleaning.
The Importance of Treatment
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, memory problems, and weakened immune function. When you treat sleep apnea, you’re not just improving your sleep – you’re protecting your long-term health and potentially adding years to your life.
Most importantly, treating your sleep apnea can improve daytime alertness, mood, energy, and overall health. Many patients report feeling like a completely different person after beginning treatment, with renewed focus and vitality they hadn’t experienced in years.
Your Path to Better Sleep
At Dr. Gessell’s practice, we take a comprehensive approach to sleep apnea treatment. Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and oral structures. Dr. Gessell works closely with sleep physicians to ensure appropriate care for your specific condition.
If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we’ll create a custom-fitted device designed for your unique needs. We’ll provide detailed instructions and schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Don’t let poor sleep affect your health and quality of life. Contact our Southern Pines office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gessell and take the first step toward restful sleep and renewed energy.