Dr. William Harper is Board Certified in Dental Sleep Medicine and is welcoming patients from Virginia Beach, VA who are seeking sleep apnea treatment. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP) is the most popular device used to treat sleep apnea. But did you know there is another treatment available? Dr. Harper offers oral appliance therapy, an easier, more convenient way to treat sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea in Virginia Beach, VA
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most commonly seen form of sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes a person to stop breathing many times during sleep. It can lead to many complications in your life and with your health.
If you have been diagnosed with OSA, then you have an obstruction in your upper airway. It’s caused by intermittent relaxation of the muscles in the back of your throat. When these muscles are completely relaxed, the airway narrows or closes making it impossible to breathe.
The episode typically lasts ten seconds but can also last longer. When this happens, your brain senses that you are not breathing and you awaken to reopen the airway. Most people do not even know they are woken up. These episodes can happen many times while you are sleeping.
How Sleep Apnea Messes With Your Daily Life
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your nights, it ruins your days too. When you stop breathing all night, your body never gets real rest. You might wake up feeling like you barely slept, even after 8 hours in bed. This makes it hard to focus at work or school.
Many people with untreated sleep apnea feel grumpy, forget simple things, or even fall asleep at dangerous times like while driving. Over time, this exhaustion can lead to weight gain and depression. The good news? Treatment can help you feel like yourself again.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. Many years of stopping breathing while you sleep can lead to complicated health problems, especially cardiovascular issues. If you suffer from any of the following sleep apnea symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Issues concentrating during the day
- Suddenly waking up gasping for air
- Loud snoring
- Frequent headaches
- Snorting or choking while sleeping
- Abnormal feelings such as depression or irritability
- Waking up with a dry mouth
Sleep Apnea Treatment
To get a sleep apnea diagnosis, you will need to go through a sleep study where you will be monitored while you sleep. With this data, your doctor will be able to tell if you have a sleep disorder. If it is shown that you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, Dr. Harper will work with your doctor to provide the proper sleep apnea treatment.
Dr. Harper offers oral appliance therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with OSA. An oral sleep appliance is similar to a mouth guard. It serves two main purposes: to open the airway and allow for proper airflow, and to reposition the tongue and jaw to maintain an open airflow. The device will help you breathe normally guaranteeing you get a full night of sleep and feel rested when you wake.
There are many benefits to choosing an oral sleep device over a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (CPAP). While a CPAP is the treatment of choice for patients with severe sleep apnea, patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea can benefit from its ease of use and convenience. Compared to a CPAP machine, an oral sleep device is:
- More comfortable
- Easier to use
- Easier to travel with
- Cost-effective
- Less intrusive
- Easier to care for and clean
- Discreet
Easy Tricks to Sleep Better Tonight
While you need professional treatment for sleep apnea, these simple changes can help right away:
- Sleep on your side (not your back) to keep your airway open
- Avoid alcohol before bed – it relaxes throat muscles too much
- Try nasal strips if you’re stuffy at night
- Keep a regular bedtime schedule
- Prop up your head with an extra pillow
These won’t cure sleep apnea, but they can help you breathe easier while you’re getting treatment. Even small improvements can help you feel more rested in the morning.
Request a Sleep Apnea Evaluation Today
If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, contact our dentist office that is near Virginia Beach, VA. Schedule a consultation to see how an oral sleep device can help you find relief from your sleep apnea symptoms and the long-term effects.