Restore Your Quality Sleep
Have you been having trouble sleeping to the point it’s disrupting your lifestyle? When a patient has sleep apnea, not only does it disturb their sleep and day-to-day lifestyle, but it can also bring serious health consequences if left untreated. However, not all patients realize that struggling to get a good night’s sleep might actually be sleep apnea. Instead, they decide to just deal with it instead of receiving treatment.
Fortunately, sleep dentist Dr. Katz works with our patients in Greensboro and the surrounding areas to identify the warning signs of sleep apnea so they can get the treatment they need. In fact, Dr. Katz has been treating sleep-related disorders since 1982 and can help you find relief from your symptoms.
What’s Sleep Apnea?
Despite sleep apnea being often accompanied by loud snoring, they’re isolated conditions. In fact, many patients confuse snoring with sleep apnea, but snoring is merely a sound produced by the vibration of the tissue. However, sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that often requires professional treatment.
There are a variety of reasons why an adult or a child might suffer from sleep apnea. Our bodies naturally relax while we sleep, including the soft tissue on the back of our throat and tongue muscles. When people suffer from sleep apnea, these areas become so relaxed that they block the airway, restricting airflow, causing snoring, as well as pauses in breathing.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
While heavy snoring is one of the most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores will develop the condition. Dr. Katz will make sure you get the appropriate diagnosis. Even if your snoring isn’t a sign of sleep apnea, we provide various effective treatments that can help mitigate your snores.
Some of the common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Decreased libido
- Forgetfulness and mood swings
- Drowsiness while driving
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Sore and dry throat in the morning
- Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
If you’re experiencing one or more of the listed above, contact our Greensboro office at (336) 346-8988 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Katz.
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
It’s important to get the treatment you need if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Critical health conditions associated with untreated sleep apnea include:
- Weight gain
- Memory problems
- High blood pressure
- Increased diabetes-related complications
- Impaired cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Your Circulatory & Respiratory Systems
Your body uses the circulatory system to spread blood, and thus oxygen, to your organs. When you suffer from sleep apnea, oxygen in the bloodstream is reduced. This lack of oxygen stresses your heart, significantly increasing your chances of developing heart diseases, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
Your respiratory system, which includes the parts of your body that exchanges gasses, is also affected by sleep apnea. This includes your nasal cavity, lungs, and other organs. Sleep apnea can develop respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease if not treated.
Accessory Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea, including:
- Obesity
- Ages 65+
- Small lower jaw
- Large neck
- Large tonsils
- Nasal congestion
- Family history
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a deviated septum cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
A deviated septum can make your sleep apnea symptoms worse by further narrowing your airway. However, there isn’t any evidence that suggests a deviated septum alone can cause sleep apnea.
In one study, a group of 49 patients with obstructive sleep apnea had surgery to correct their deviated septum. Even though the patients saw improvements in snoring, it was not effective in treating OSA.
Can sleep apnea cause anxiety?
Losing sleep repeatedly creates a deficit in your sleep bank, which makes it difficult to handle stressful situations and leads to anxiety. While there’s a definite connection between sleep apnea and anxiety, it’s often unclear whether the loss of sleep is causing anxiety or the anxiety itself is causing the disorder.
Unfortunately, it may also be a two-way connection. Patients who suffer from anxiety might be at higher risk for developing a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. This means that if you treat one of the conditions, you may be able to alleviate the other as well.
With an oral appliance, you can improve your anxiety without ever taking a prescription medication. Contact our office to learn more by calling (336) 346-8988 — one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to answer your questions.
Can sleep apnea be cured?
Sleep apnea can’t be cured without invasive surgery. Luckily, Dr. Katz has a variety of treatment options that best fits your needs. These can alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms and prevent them from becoming severe. Dr. Katz also has some lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your symptoms, including:
- Sleeping on your sides instead of on your back
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Using a humidifier
- Wearing an oral appliance/CPAP machine during sleep
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption
Can my insurance cover the cost of my sleep apnea treatment?
Most insurance providers will cover a portion of your sleep apnea treatment cost. We encourage speaking to your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage plan and benefits. If the coverage isn’t enough, we also offer affordable financing options so you don’t delay the quality sleep you deserve.
Sleep Better — Get the Help You Deserve
If you’re fatigued, restless, or wake up continuously during the night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Katz is a qualified sleep dentist who can get you the diagnosis and treatment you deserve. We’re proud to serve patients in the Greensboro, NC area as well as the surrounding areas including Winston-Salem, Whitsett, Summerfield, Kernersville, and many more.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Katz, call our Greensboro office at (336) 346-8988. You can also fill out our online contact form below and one of our experienced staff will be happy to assist you. We can’t wait to help you get the sleep you deserve!