Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Beverly Hills, CA
Discover “What Is Sleep Apnea” in Beverly Hills CA Today!
Learn the Causes of Sleep Apnea and Treatment Options in Beverly Hills, CA
Whether it’s worse than sleepwalking or talking, snoring is one of the most common sleep problems known to affect millions of Americans, but you don’t have to suffer from it. One of the most common sleep disorders, sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing for several seconds at a time. This can happen hundreds of times during the night, making you feel tired and irritable when you wake up. At S S&C Dental Beverly Hills, we provide comprehensive dental sleep medicine consultations and treatments.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last for several seconds and may occur hundreds of times per night. The most common form of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite the effort to breathe. Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. In addition to snoring, people who have OSA may experience tiredness, daytime sleepiness and memory loss. If you have these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions or diseases that might be causing them.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have serious health consequences. In this disorder, the airway becomes blocked during sleep and causes people to stop breathing for short periods of time. This can happen hundreds of times per night, and it’s common for people with sleep apnea to be unaware of these episodes. Some of the most common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud and persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep
- Mood changes or irritability
Who Gets Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common health problem. It affects more than 18 million Americans, most of whom are undiagnosed. Most people who have sleep apnea don’t know they have it unless they are tested for it during a physical exam, oral exam or overnight stay in a sleep center. Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, including children, but certain factors can increase the risk:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Being male
- Being older (above 40)
- Having a large neck size (17 inches or more for men, 16 inches or more for women)
- Having a narrow airway, large tonsils, or a large tongue
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
Know the Causes of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway gets blocked during sleep. It is possible for this obstruction to be caused by a number of things, including excess throat tissue, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and a narrow airway. In addition to lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption, sleep apnea can also be triggered by genetic factors. Because of these factors, obstructed sleep apnea can be a complicated and widespread condition.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring and sleep apnea are two common conditions affecting millions of Americans yearly. Snoring is a medical condition in which a person makes noises while sleeping, often due to the vibration of tissues in the throat or nose. Snoring can occur during sleep, but it may also happen during wakefulness. While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not all snorers have sleep apnea, and not all sleep apnea sufferers snore. Snoring worsens as you age because your airways narrow and become more susceptible to collapse during sleep. If you have trouble breathing during sleep, contact us at S&C Dental Beverly Hills for an evaluation.
How to Treat Snoring
Snoring, a common sleep disorder, can disrupt not only the snorer’s sleep but also the rest of the family. It’s crucial to identify the root cause of snoring and understand just how to treat snoring. Healthy weight, regular exercise, and a consistent sleep routine are often the first line of defense against snoring. You can also minimize snoring by not drinking alcohol or taking sedatives before bed. When lying on your back, snoring tends to get worse, so you can adjust your sleep position. You can stop snoring by sleeping on your side or using a specially designed pillow to elevate your head. If you’re snoring because of nasal congestion, saline sprays, decongestants, or a humidifier can help. People with chronic sinus problems should see a doctor for long-term solutions. Occasionally, oral appliances like mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilizing devices can help minimize snoring by repositioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open.
How Can a Dentist Help with Snoring?
Dentists can play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating snoring and sleep apnea. At S&C Dental Beverly Hills, our family dentists are experienced in identifying and treating snoring, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related breathing disorders. We use state-of-the-art technology to identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Beverly Hills dentists if you are wondering how can a dentist help with snoring.