Sleep Apnea Treatment in
Austin, TX

Do you regularly experience loud snoring, morning headaches, poor sleep, and daytime fatigue? You could be one of the 22 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea.

At BridgeView Dental, we offer sleep apnea treatment to all our patients in the Austin area. We can prescribe special oral appliances to comfortably and effectively treat sleep apnea. To get a good night’s rest, schedule a consultation with our dentist.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted, sometimes for several seconds at a time. You may snort, choke or gasp in your sleep as you stop breathing, making it difficult to fall and remain asleep. While it is a common disorder that can affect patients of any age, men are two to three times more likely to develop sleep apnea. Middle-aged and older people also have an increased risk.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Gasping for air during sleep
Morning headaches
Morning dry mouth
Daytime fatigue or excessive drowsiness
Difficulty staying asleep
Difficulty paying attention during the day

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

The most common and easily treatable form of sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. When these muscles relax, your airway narrows and closes as you inhale. Your health, weight, family history, and history with tobacco and alcohol can increase your chances of sleep apnea. Narrowed airways and excessive nasal congestion can also lead to sleep apnea.

The Long-Term Effects of Sleep Apnea

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term effects on health and overall quality of life:

Cardiovascular Problems: Sleep apnea can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, often resulting in high blood pressure (hypertension). Over time, this raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.
Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is common among people with type 2 diabetes. Lack of sleep can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
Mental Health Issues: Due to poor sleep quality, individuals with sleep apnea may experience mood changes, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Liver Problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Sleep-Deprived Partners: Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting a good night’s rest and eventually lead to separate sleeping arrangements.
Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness: Daytime fatigue often results in a general lack of energy, which can affect productivity at work or school and lead to accidents or poor performance.
Memory Problems: Over time, poor sleep can contribute to problems with memory and cognitive function.
Complications with Medications and Surgery: Obstructive sleep apnea is also a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea might be more likely to experience complications following major surgery.

Given these potential long-term effects, it’s critical to seek medical advice if you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea. With proper treatment, you can manage the symptoms, control high blood pressure, and reduce your risk of developing these health complications.