Sleep apnea is a medical condition that disrupts the airways during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, headaches, mood change, and serious health complications. Despite around 22 million people in the US living with apnea symptoms, many are unaware of the signs of sleep apnea and not getting the help they need to improve their health. It’s essential to understand the symptoms of sleep apnea to seek appropriate help and diagnose sleep disorders effectively.
Signs And Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Dr. Randal Silver DMD – Sleep Provider, has been on a mission to help people struggling with the challenges of sleep apnea, offering alternative sleep disorder treatments and therapies from the Sleep Matters clinic in Independence, Missouri. Dr. Silver is very passionate about sleep apnea. Sleep science is a relatively new area of interest in the medical field; continued research and studies have allowed practitioners and their patients to develop a greater awareness of sleep apnea, including the impact the conditions may have on overall health. However, despite this, many people still continue to suffer without an apnea diagnosis. Dr. Silver recently joined Fox4 Host, Tony Talley on Great Day KC to address key topics surrounding apnea, sharing his expertise for spotting tell-tale signs of sleep apnea and the alternative therapies available beyond the traditional CPAP machine. In case you missed it, we’ve shared all the apnea testimonials of the Great Day KC interview below, or you can watch the full video here.
Tossing And Turning At Night? Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Although there are many reasons for not getting a full night’s rest, one that can often go unnoticed and untreated is sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Understanding the symptoms that present commonly with the condition can help both medical professionals with a formal apnea diagnosis and aid patients in knowing when to seek help. If you’re frequently snoring and wondering, “Do I have sleep apnea?” it might be time to take a sleep apnea test.
There Are Many Signs of Sleep Apnea That You May Not Even Be Aware Of:
Loud snoring during sleep Excessive weight (you may also struggle to lose weight) Other medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension Feeling tired during the day, despite resting Multiple awakenings in the night, such as getting up to use the restroom frequently Headaches in the daytime, especially in the morning Low mood or symptoms of depression or anxiety. These might be signs you’re sleeping with undiagnosed sleep apnea.
What Are The Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
Unfortunately, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious medical complications, making seeking a diagnosis essential for improving a patient’s overall health. One of the most shocking statistics is the reduction sleep apnea can have on a person’s lifespan, reducing this by an average of around 10 years. Other medical complications can include cardiac issues such as heart attacks, strokes, or hypertension, as well as diabetes, hormone imbalances, impotence, mental health issues, and many more. Snoring might be more than just a sign of sleep disturbance; it could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Are There Any Cures For Sleep Apnea?
Although increased interest in sleep science and relative conditions continues to push medical advancements, there is currently no cure for sleep apnea. Losing weight has been shown in a number of cases to reduce the symptoms of the condition, but for many patients, sleep apnea will be a lifetime condition that requires continued management. The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy) is the most traditional form of treatment people are familiar with, but it is not tolerated well by many patients. Instead, they may opt for TMJ therapy or dental sleep appliances as a treatment sleep alternative.
What Are The Alternatives to CPAP Treatment For Apnea Symptoms?”
At Sleep Matters, our focus is to provide alternatives to traditional sleep apnea therapies, offering patients effective holistic solutions for managing their condition without the discomfort and restriction of the CPAP breathing mask and machine. Our specialized dental appliances (or oral devices), for example, are a popular long-term treatment option for patients. Designed to be worn like a standard dental retainer, this device helps to keep airways open and hold the tongue and jaw in place in order to reduce obstruction to airways and apnea episodes. Patients with previous experience wearing retainers, braces, or sports guards will likely tolerate dental appliances well for apnea treatment, although their custom-made fitting will make them easy to get adjusted to and frequently use without issues for most patients. An oral appliance is often the chosen therapy for sleep apnea.
Benefits of Sleep Matters’ Oral Devices
Oral appliances are portable and easy to travel with, offering no wires like a CPAP machine. Custom-fit to individual jaw and mouth shape, they are not impacted by changing routines, such as work or holidays. Like a retainer, slip in at night and back out in the morning! These advantages make oral appliance therapy an appealing option for many.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Oral Device Treatments?
One of our patients’ most commonly asked questions is the costs and coverage accepted by Medicare or insurance providers. We are a Medicare provider and also work with most major insurance policies. Although it is important to check deductibles and contact your providers to ensure coverage on individual policies, however generally, for many patients, there is either no cost required or very little upfront. This includes coverage for oral appliance tests and therapy.
When a Patient Gives The Sleep Matters Clinic Team a Call, What Can They Expect?
Patients seeking help for sleep apnea symptoms or wishing to explore our dental devices for alternative treatments can contact the Sleep Matters team first to get started. Our Sleep Care Coordinator, India Rose, will ask a few simple questions to build an overview of your sleep concerns and general health. With a passion for helping people and a close family history of sleep apnea herself, India uses her knowledge and personal experience to gather all the information needed to effectively understand a patient’s apnea needs and ensure they get the help required. We will then arrange a consultation and, if necessary, schedule a dental examination to ensure gums are healthy enough for any oral treatment.
Our Latest Treatment Offers at Sleep Matters
For a limited time only, we are offering FREE consultations for patients considering moving to dental appliance therapies and wishing to discuss alternative sleep apnea treatments. $100 will also be discounted from the cost of treatment for eligible patients. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the effectiveness of an oral appliance in apnea therapy.
Schedule Your Consultation With The Sleep Matters Team
Our team at Sleep Matters provides safe, effective, and comfortable alternative apnea treatments endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, including oral devices, lifestyle changes, and other therapies. Contact us today to explore your options and take advantage of our special consultation offer. We’ll be sure to answer your questions like “Do I have sleep apnea?” or “How do I know if I have sleep apnea?” and help you in every step of your journey towards better sleep health. Don’t delay in getting the restful sleep you deserve – reach out to us at Sleep Matters.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea or are simply concerned about your sleep health, don’t hesitate to contact Sleep Matters to schedule a free consultation. Our team of sleep health professionals is dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life through better sleep.
To schedule an appointment, call us or fill out the contact form on our website. We are conveniently located in Independence, Missouri, and serve patients from all over the Kansas City metropolitan area. We look forward to helping you achieve better sleep.