Why You Should Get Sleep Apnea Diagnosed and Treated
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Do you often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner notice that you snore loudly or gasp for air during the night? These could be signs of sleep apnea: a common but serious condition that affects your breathing while you sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to far more than restless nights. It can impact your health, your mood, and even your safety.
Fortunately, sleep apnea treatment in Irvine is available at My Dentist Joe. If you notice these symptoms of poor sleep, we can help by finding the treatment approach that works for you.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing pauses that can last for several seconds. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is often caused by the relaxation of throat muscles that narrow the airway. Each time this happens, your body briefly wakes up to restore breathing, often without you even realizing it. Over the course of a night, this can happen dozens or even hundreds of times, interrupting deep, restorative sleep.
The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Many people underestimate the impact of untreated sleep apnea. Beyond fatigue and poor concentration, the condition can contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even depression. Because your body is repeatedly deprived of oxygen, your cardiovascular system works harder than it should, increasing long-term health risks.
Daytime sleepiness caused by sleep apnea can also make daily activities dangerous. People with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to experience car accidents or workplace injuries due to fatigue and lack of focus.
How an Irvine Dentist Can Help
While sleep apnea is a medical condition, dentists play a key role in identifying and treating it. During a dental exam, your dentist in Irvine can often spot signs of sleep apnea such as a narrow airway, teeth grinding, or jaw alignment issues.
For many patients, oral appliance therapy offers an effective, comfortable alternative to CPAP machines. These custom-made mouthpieces gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open throughout the night. They’re easy to wear, travel-friendly, and proven to improve sleep quality for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Getting sleep apnea diagnosed and treated can transform your health and quality of life. Patients often report having more energy, sharper focus, and a brighter mood once they begin treatment. Better sleep also supports your immune system, metabolism, and emotional well-being.
If you suspect that you or your partner may have sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Schedule a consultation with My Dentist Joe. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can protect your health, restore restful sleep, and wake up ready to take on the day.
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