Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea, a serious health condition that keeps these individuals and their sleep partners from getting the rest they need. Often characterized by snoring during sleep and excessive daytime tiredness, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when an individual has pauses in breathing during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Caused by blockage of the airways, OSA typically happened when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses. During an episode, the airway closes and breathing stops; the individual usually wakes up and resumes normal breathing. Some people have up to 30 episodes a night. Central sleep apnea is occurs less frequently and is brought on when the brain doesn’t signal the muscles to take a breath.

Many people don’t realize the impact sleep apnea can have on overall wellbeing. Studies have linked OSA to issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, weight gain, and lost productivity. AS well, sleep apnea can create stress and tiredness for your sleep partner. If you suspect sleep apnea, contact your health care provider right away.

Once sleep apnea is confirmed, your dentist and/or orthodontist can recommend treatment like lifestyle changes or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The CPAP machine is most often used for treatment, but many people find the mask cumbersome or claustrophobic. In these cases, your dentist can fit you for a night guard. This custom oral appliance holds your jaw in the correct position to keep your airways open.

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