Unlocking Restful Nights: Your Guide to Sleep Apnea Solutions
Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Do you often wake up feeling tired and unrested? If so, you might be dealing with a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. At Sac Sleep & Breathing, we understand the importance of quality sleep for overall health and well-being.
Led by experienced Sacramento, CA, sleep dentist Dr. Scott Grivas, our practice is dedicated to helping you overcome sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
If you’re tired of feeling exhausted during the day, and wondering if sleep apnea could be the culprit, we’re here to provide guidance and solutions. Contact our Northern California dental practice at (916) 735-4060 to take the first step towards relief from sleep apnea symptoms and a better night’s sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep and potential health risks. There are multiple types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. With this form of sleep apnea, the airways become blocked or obstructed during sleep, leading to repeated episodes of partial or complete cessation of breathing. These obstructions are typically caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the throat, which allows the soft tissues to collapse and block the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is often associated with loud snoring and gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea. With this type of sleep apnea, the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing, resulting in periods of interrupted breathing during sleep.
This type of sleep apnea is not caused by a physical obstruction but rather by a dysfunction in the respiratory control center of the brain. Central sleep apnea is more commonly seen in people with certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, stroke, or neuromuscular disorders.
Mixed Sleep Apnea
Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. With this type of sleep apnea, the person experiences episodes of both obstructed breathing and a lack of respiratory effort during sleep. Mixed sleep apnea can be more complex to treat, as it involves addressing both the physical obstruction and the underlying neurological issues that contribute to respiratory control problems.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Some of the many symptoms of sleep apnea can include:
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Frequent gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat
- Experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes such as depression or irritability
- Feeling a lack of energy and motivation
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent urination at night
- Reduced libido
- Nighttime sweating
- Recent weight gain
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. To confirm whether or not your symptoms are apneic, Dr. Grivas will recommend a sleep study so you can gain a proper diagnosis and receive appropriate care.
The Importance of Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Some of the many reasons you should seek immediate, personalized sleep apnea treatment include:
- Overall Health and Well-being: Effective sleep apnea treatment is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
- Quality Sleep: Sleep apnea treatment helps ensure a restful night’s sleep, promoting physical and mental rejuvenation.
- Reduced Daytime Fatigue: By addressing sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, and exhaustion are significantly reduced, leading to increased productivity and vitality.
- Lower Risk of Health Complications: Sleep apnea treatment reduces the risk of developing serious health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Treating sleep apnea enhances cognitive function, including concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities.
- Enhanced Mood: Effective treatment can alleviate mood disturbances associated with sleep apnea, such as depression, irritability, and anxiety.
- Better Cardiovascular Health: Addressing sleep apnea lowers the risk of cardiovascular problems, including stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure.
- Weight Management Support: Treatment may aid in weight management efforts, as sleep apnea has been linked to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
- Reduced Risk of Accidents: Treatment reduces the risk of accidents caused by daytime drowsiness and impaired alertness due to untreated sleep apnea.
- Improved Quality of Life: Ultimately, effective sleep apnea treatment significantly improves quality of life by enhancing sleep, health, and daily functioning.
Why Choose Sac Sleep and Breathing For Your Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you’re among the countless individuals suffering from debilitating sleep apnea, Sac Sleep & Breathing offers hope. Led by renowned sleep specialist Dr. Grivas, our practice provides personalized, cutting-edge solutions to address the root causes of your sleep disorder. We employ advanced treatments like the revolutionary Vivos biomimetic medical device to gently reposition the jaw, promoting optimal breathing during sleep and alleviating disruptive symptoms.
We can also provide guidelines and lifestyle changes to increase the effectiveness of your treatment, such as advice on diet and exercise, suggestions for sleep positions, and seeking treatment for comorbid disorders that may exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. Our commitment extends beyond sleep apnea treatment — we prioritize your well-being through education and support.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Once your sleep study is complete and you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Grivas will develop a personalized treatment plan, often incorporating a customized Vivos biomimetic medical device. These tailored oral appliances target the underlying causes of sleep apnea, gently repositioning the jaw to improve breathing during sleep.
Within 12 to 24 months, patients typically experience a significant reduction or elimination of sleep apnea symptoms. The Vivos System is a favored sleep apnea treatment for numerous reasons, including:
- Its non-surgical approach
- Avoiding the need for additional medications or CPAP machines
- Comfort
- Ease of use
- Discretion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lifestyle changes alone effectively manage sleep apnea?
While certain lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise can complement treatment, professional intervention is often necessary for effective sleep apnea management.
Is sleep apnea treatment covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover sleep apnea treatment, including oral appliance therapy. Assistance in navigating insurance coverage and payment options for sleep apnea treatment is available.
Are there any side effects associated with oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea?
Generally, oral appliances like the Vivos System are well-tolerated as a form of sleep apnea treatment, but some may experience temporary discomfort or changes in bite alignment. Close monitoring by healthcare providers is important to help ensure compliance with sleep apnea treatment plans.
How long does it take to see improvement with sleep apnea treatment?
The timeframe for improvement varies among individuals, but many patients experience noticeable improvements within a few weeks to months of starting sleep apnea treatment.
Enhance Your Sleep: Book Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today!
Ready to reclaim restful nights and rejuvenated mornings? Our dedicated team at Sac Sleep & Breathing, led by Dr. Grivas, is committed to tailoring a sleep apnea solution that fits your unique needs. Reach out to our Sacramento, CA, sleep dentistry practice at (916) 735-4060 or simply fill out our convenient contact form to schedule your consultation with our experienced sleep specialist, and learn how we effectively treat sleep apnea.
We warmly welcome patients from Sacramento and surrounding areas such as Sierra Oaks, Woodside Condo, Campus Commons, and beyond. Take the first step toward better sleep and well-being today!