Sleep apnea is one of those conditions that often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. The primary symptoms tend to happen when you’re asleep, so it’s hard to know for sure if you’re dealing with it. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, not to mention a poor night’s sleep that leaves you feeling exhausted the next day.
At BluSky Dental, we understand the disruptive impact of sleep apnea. As your trusted dental provider in Ottawa, we’re here to help you identify the symptoms of sleep apnea and show you how our team can provide treatment to help you sleep better and live healthier.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
According to the Lung Association of Canada, sleep apnea is a disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start during sleep. These interruptions can last from just a few seconds to several minutes and happen multiple times during the night. There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea, where the muscles in the back of your throat relax and block your airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): A rarer form where the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
In some cases, sleep apnea doesn’t cause any loud snoring at all, making it even harder to diagnose.
Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
If you live alone or don’t want to undergo a sleep study, it can be difficult to know whether you have sleep apnea. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Waking up frequently during the night, especially with a gasp or choking sensation.
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking.
- Morning headaches and fatigue.
- Feeling excessively tired or sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s rest.
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy.
- Loud snoring, though not all sleep apnea sufferers snore.
You may also experience noticeable changes in mood, such as irritability, due to poor-quality sleep.
Who’s at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
While anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain factors increase the likelihood of having the condition:
- Family history: Genetics play a significant role in the development of sleep apnea.
- Large neck circumference: A thicker neck can put pressure on your airways while you sleep, making breathing more difficult.
- Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common as we age, especially in men, though it can affect anyone.
- Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism or acromegaly can increase the risk.
- Neurological conditions: People with neurological issues, such as Parkinson’s, are more likely to experience sleep apnea.
How to Know if You Have Sleep Apnea (Without a Sleep Study)
Traditional sleep studies (polysomnography) require you to stay overnight at a sleep centre where experts monitor your breathing. But what if you don’t want to spend the night away from home? Or if you don’t have access to a sleep centre nearby? There are alternative methods for diagnosis:
- Self-Evaluation: Track your symptoms at home. If you have a partner, ask them about your snoring or breathing pauses at night. This feedback can help in diagnosing sleep apnea.
- Smartphone Apps: There are several apps available that record snoring sounds during the night. While these apps can’t detect sleep apnea directly, they can help identify patterns of loud snoring or gaps in breathing.
- At-Home Sleep Test: An at-home sleep test involves wearing a device that monitors your breathing, heart rate, and airflow while you sleep. These tests are convenient and can be done in the comfort of your own home, but they may not catch all cases of sleep apnea.
How BluSky Dental Can Help
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are already experiencing its symptoms, BluSky Dental can provide a solution. We offer custom oral sleep apnea appliances that can significantly improve your quality of sleep by keeping your airway open during the night. These devices are comfortable, non-invasive, and quiet. An excellent alternative to CPAP machines.
The BluSky Sleep Apnea Appliance Experience
Here’s how BluSky Dental can help you manage sleep apnea:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We will assess your symptoms and oral health to determine if a sleep apnea appliance is right for you.
- Custom Design: Using advanced digital imaging, we’ll create a 3D model of your mouth to craft a perfectly fitting appliance.
- Precision Crafting: Your appliance is made from durable, high-quality materials that ensure comfort and longevity.
- Expert Fitting & Adjustment: We ensure your appliance fits comfortably and make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance.
- Ongoing Support: We’ll monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible results.
Ready to Improve Your Sleep?
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your nights. It impacts your overall health and quality of life. If you’re ready to take control of your sleep, BluSky Dental is here to help. Our custom sleep apnea appliances are designed to fit comfortably, help you breathe easily, and restore the rest you deserve.
Don’t let sleep apnea control your life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start getting better sleep tonight.