You struggle to get through your daily tasks and feel completely exhausted by the afternoon. You have difficulty concentrating and focusing throughout the day. You suffer regularly from debilitating headaches. You struggle with weight gain. Did you know that these are all symptoms and side effects of a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea? When you’re not getting the rejuvenating rest you need at night, your body and mind struggle to perform throughout the day. The good news is there are solutions and Dr. Donald Marks can help you.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The most common form of sleep apnea occurs because your airway is blocked or obstructed. This means that your natural oxygen supply is cut off during the night, which causes you to stop breathing and alerts your brain to wake you up. You may awake with a cough or a start, and though you don’t realize you’re awake, this can happen frequently throughout the night, which interrupts your sleep cycle.
If it’s left untreated, sleep apnea can be very dangerous. It contributes to many other health concerns such as diabetes, heart failure, and stroke. It can also be very debilitating and greatly affect the quality of your life.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the traditional form of treatment that your physician may recommend. It involves the patient wearing a mask during the night while they sleep that delivers a constant stream of air designed to keep your airway clear and open, allowing free breathing during sleep.
The problem with CPAP therapy is that not all patients respond well to it. Many patients feel that the machine is too loud, some feel claustrophobic when wearing the mask, and so many patients are not compliant about using their CPAP machine at night.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Many patients benefit from the use of an oral appliance that is custom designed to position the jaw slightly forward and open the airway for clear breathing at night. Oral appliances are comfortable to wear and easy to get used to, and Dr. Marks customizes oral appliances based on each patients’ individual needs.
Combined Therapy
Patients who suffer from severe sleep apnea may benefit from a combination of both oral appliance and CPAP therapy. This means that you would wear your oral appliance, while also using your CPAP machine.
The benefit, however is that many patients can wear just the nasal mask while they wear their oral appliance, which is much smaller and more comfortable. They may also be able to turn their machine to a lower setting, which is quieter. Combined therapy also makes travel easier, as patients are able to use their oral appliance when traveling.
Contact our Office
Ready to reclaim your sleep? Contact our office today to learn more about how Dr. Marks can help you!