Treating Sleep Apnea: Exploring Your Options | Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people each year. It is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time throughout the night, resulting in poor quality sleep and potentially life-threatening consequences. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for those who suffer from sleep apnea. 

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. CPAP machines are designed to provide a steady stream of air to the throat, which helps keep the airways open during sleep. The pressure of the airway is adjustable, so that the user can control the flow of air to suit their individual needs. While CPAP machines have been shown to be effective in treating sleep apnea, they can be uncomfortable and difficult to use. 

Another option for sleep apnea treatment is the use of an oral appliance. This is a device that is inserted into the mouth in order to hold the tongue and jaw in a forward position, keeping the airway open during sleep. Oral appliances are generally comfortable and easy to use, but they may not be as effective as CPAP machines in treating sleep apnea. 

For those who cannot tolerate either of these two treatment options, surgery may be an option. Surgery for sleep apnea involves widening the airway by removing excess tissue in the throat or jaw. This procedure can be effective in treating sleep apnea, but it can also be expensive and involves a significant amount of recovery time. 

In addition to the treatment options outlined above, lifestyle changes can also be used to improve sleep apnea. Losing weight, avoiding alcohol, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can all be beneficial for those with sleep apnea. Additionally, sleeping in a more upright position can help keep the airway open during sleep. 

Finally, it is important to remember that sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to contact your doctor in order to discuss your treatment options. With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, those with sleep apnea can enjoy a better night’s sleep and improved overall health.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, our Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea dentist is here to help. Contact Chesapeake Sleep Center today to learn how our sleep apnea treatment options may benefit you. 

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Exploring the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea | Best Sleep Apnea Treatment Glen Burnie

For many people, a good night’s sleep is one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, for those suffering from sleep apnea, achieving a good night’s sleep can be difficult. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. It can cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help those with sleep apnea get a better night’s rest. One such treatment is oral appliance therapy. 

Oral appliance therapy is a type of treatment for sleep apnea that involves the use of a custom-made oral appliance that is worn in the mouth while sleeping. The appliance works by gently repositioning the tongue and lower jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep. By keeping the airway open, this helps reduce pauses in breathing and can result in a better night’s sleep. 

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for sleep apnea and can be used by those who are unable to tolerate the more traditional methods of treatment, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. Additionally, oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment option, making it a good option for those who are hesitant to undergo surgery. 

Additionally, oral appliance therapy is a convenient treatment option since the appliance is small and can be easily carried in a pocket or purse. This makes it easy to transport and use during travel or other activities. Furthermore, the appliance is discreet and can be comfortably worn during sleep. 

The use of oral appliances can also reduce snoring for individuals who suffer from sleep apnea as well as improve their quality of life. By gently repositioning the tongue and lower jaw, the appliance keeps the airway open during sleep, thereby reducing snoring. The appliance can help improve quality of life by reducing sleepiness and fatigue during the day, as well as improving concentration and alertness. 

Overall, oral appliance therapy is an effective and convenient treatment option for those suffering from sleep apnea. By gently repositioning the tongue and lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, this can help reduce pauses in breathing and result in a better night’s sleep. 

Furthermore, the appliance is small and discreet, making it easy to transport and use during travel or other activities. Additionally, oral appliance therapy can reduce snoring and improve quality of life for those suffering from sleep apnea. If you are looking for a non-invasive way to help get a good night’s sleep, then oral appliance therapy may be the right choice for you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

A Guide to Controlling Sleep Apnea and Avoiding Potential Complications | Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. People with sleep apnea may experience fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and other sleep-related problems. It can be caused by a number of factors such as obesity, facial structure, and nasal congestion. It is important to control sleep apnea in order to maintain good health and avoid potential medical complications. 

Controlling sleep apnea is essential for staying healthy and avoiding potential medical complications. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it can lead to impaired cognitive functioning, excessive sleepiness during the day, and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Controlling sleep apnea can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of these potentially serious complications. 

One of the most effective ways to control sleep apnea is through lifestyle modifications. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of sleep apnea, as obesity increases the risk. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help maintain a healthy weight. Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Additionally, avoiding sedatives and sleeping on your side can help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. 

Using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine can also help control sleep apnea. A CPAP is a mask that is worn over the nose and mouth and is connected to a machine that delivers a steady stream of air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep. The machine is typically set to a specific pressure that is adjusted by a doctor. 

Surgery is another option for controlling sleep apnea. Surgery can help remove excess tissue in the airway to reduce obstructions during sleep. It can also help correct structural abnormalities in the airway. Surgery is typically recommended for people who have severe sleep apnea that has not been adequately controlled with lifestyle changes or a CPAP machine. 

Finally, dental appliances can help reduce the effects of sleep apnea. These devices help keep the airway open by moving the lower jaw forward during sleep. They are typically used for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. 

Controlling sleep apnea is essential for staying healthy and avoiding potential medical complications. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding sedatives and alcohol, and sleeping on your side can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea. 

Additionally, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, surgery, and dental appliances can help reduce the effects of sleep apnea. By controlling sleep apnea, it is possible to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of potentially serious medical complications. For more information on how our office can help you with treatment options to control your sleep apnea, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep is Important | Glen Burnie Sleep Apnea Treatment

Everyone needs between 7 and 8 hours of sleep at the end of the day, but individuals with sleep apnea often have difficulty sleeping well on a regular basis. Obstructive sleep apnea involves repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway while sleeping. These episodes may occur anywhere between five and one hundred times per hour, depending on the individual. Having more than 30 to 40 breathing interruptions during sleep is considered severe and should be taken seriously.

The number of Americans with sleep apnea is estimated to be as high as 50 million. When left untreated, sleep disorders can contribute to other serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. We can assist you if you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

Solutions tailored to your needs

As with any medical condition, treatment for sleep apnea is determined by the factors underlying the condition and its severity. The treatment recommendations will differ depending on the severity of your condition. If the condition is mild, a special mouthpiece or oral appliance may be the most effective treatment for maintaining a natural airway. The use of continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy may be indicated in more severe cases. The CPAP machine delivers forced air through a tube and a mask or nose piece in order to maintain a steady oxygen flow during sleep.

Changes in lifestyle may be helpful in treating sleep apnea.

A person who is overweight may accumulate fat around their neck, potentially obstructing their breathing and contributing to sleep apnea. Your doctor may therefore recommend a combination of dietary changes and exercise to assist you in losing weight. A healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis are excellent ways to not only lose weight, but to also ensure you are healthy. In most cases, this alone can significantly improve and often completely eliminate sleep disorders. There may be a need for surgery in some cases.

We can conduct a brief screening in our office if you are experiencing snoring or other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in order to determine whether you need treatment. We invite you to contact our office today to learn how you can take control of your health and start sleeping better at night. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

How Can I Tell if I Have Sleep Apnea? | Sleep Apnea Treatment Near Me

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that is characterized by fatigue, snoring, and irregular breathing during sleep. 

Although there are several types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common. When you are sleeping, your throat muscles and soft tissues at the back of your mouth occasionally relax, seal together, and block your airway. Snoring and tooth grinding are two of the most common symptoms of OSA. Undiagnosed OSA patients may also experience the following symptoms:

  • A feeling of shortness of breath 
  • Sudden waking
  • Dry mouth or a sore throat in the morning
  • Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep
  • Waking up with headaches 
  • Feeling fatigued

Identifying the Risk Factors

It is estimated that 26% of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 have some form of sleep apnea. Some risk factors are genetic or hereditary, while others are the result of age and lifestyle choices. There are a number of conditions that can increase your risk of developing OSA, including:

  • Obesity 
  • Family history of OSA 
  • A small or narrow jaw
  • Enlarged tonsils
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Large neck circumference
  • Alcohol consumption at bedtime

The Treatment Options Available to You

In the event that you suspect you may have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, the first step you should take is to schedule an evaluation for testing and diagnosis. It is now possible to complete a sleep study from the comfort of your own home. You may need to use a CPAP machine (a device worn at night to assist oxygen intake using positive airway pressure) or an oral sleep appliance, depending on your specific diagnosis. Mouthguards for sleep are designed to maintain your lower jaw in a position that htallows your airway to open naturally during sleep. A dental appliance is less cumbersome and more discreet than a continuous positive airway pressure device.

Don’t delay your treatment any longer.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic health condition that affects everything from your job performance to your blood pressure to your attitude and energy level. In the absence of treatment, sleeping disorders can cause numerous health complications, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is also possible to fall asleep while driving or working.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. A life-saving intervention could be made!

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

The Most Effective Way to End a Sleep Divorce | Sleep Apnea Symptoms Glen Burnie

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Across the country, a significant percentage of couples struggle with their partner’s disruptive snoring habit. Snoring that consistently causes you or your partner to lose sleep may be an indication of sleep apnea. As a result of this sleep-disordered breathing problem, some couples feel they have no choice but to resort to a “sleep divorce” in order to get some sleep at night.

Couples who cannot share the same bed or bedroom due to disruptive sleeping habits experience a sleep divorce. Separate sleeping spaces may result in a better night’s sleep, but they don’t address the disruption itself.

There are more effective solutions available to address issues related to snoring and sleep apnea as sleep medicine technology advances. As a result of these interceptive solutions, both partners are able to get a good night’s sleep. Getting a custom dental sleep apnea appliance from a sleep dentistry provider can help you end your sleep divorce.

Exactly What is Sleep Apnea?

An individual with obstructive sleep apnea may experience interrupted breathing or may stop breathing altogether during sleep. Snoring is one of the most recognizable symptoms, but fatigue, depression, enlarged tonsils, a large neck circumference, worn or flat teeth, and weight gain are also warning signs.

There is more danger in sleep apnea than it seems. Health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and fatigue throughout the day are directly linked to it. In the case of sleep apnea, it is best to treat it from a functional and overall health standpoint.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options: What Are They?

Sleep apnea therapy begins with an initial consultation with a health professional (such as a dentist or sleep physician) to assess specific warning signs and symptoms. In severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery or the use of a CPAP machine is required; however, custom-fitted oral sleep appliances are a more common treatment. Using a dental sleep appliance positions your jaw slightly forward, reducing soft tissue obstructions at the back of your throat. During sleep, this natural increase in airflow reduces or eliminates snoring.

If you or your partner are experiencing or considering a sleep divorce due to snoring, it is important to treat the problem at its source. Our office can help you get back to restful sleep with a sleep apnea screening and consultation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are here for you.

Quarterfield Dental Arts of Glen Burnie
Phone: 410-760-4445
7711 Quarterfield Rd., Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Is Sleep Apnea Giving you Nightmares? | Sleep Apnea in Glen Burnie MD

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People with sleep apnea rarely dream since they never reach the deeper stages of sleep where dreams occur. In spite of this, even if you suffer from sleep apnea, you may still dream—and if you do, you may experience a frightening nightmare. Have you been experiencing more vivid dreams than usual lately? Find out the truth about sleep apnea nightmares and why treatment is essential.

Nightmares and Sleep Apnea

There has been a correlation between nightmares and obstructive sleep apnea (the most common form of sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway is physically blocked). A mild sleep disorder may allow the individual to experience nightmares more often than someone without a sleep disorder. The reason for this is probably the suffocation that you will naturally experience due to sleep apnea interfering with your breathing. Without enough oxygen, the body experiences a great deal of stress, and that stress may manifest itself in dreams. Sleep apnea nightmares are not only more vivid than normal, but they also become more unpleasant with increasing severity.

The Problem of Sleep Apnea Nightmares

Health problems such as heart conditions can be caused by sleep apnea. In a sense, nightmares associated with sleep apnea can also adversely affect your health. An unpleasant dream can negatively affect the rest of your day. As sleep apnea can already be associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression, having nightmares on top of that can exacerbate these problems.

How to Improve Your Dreams

Sleep apnea nightmares can be eliminated by treating your sleep apnea. A sleep study is necessary before you can be diagnosed with the disorder. After that, you will need to speak with a sleep expert about your treatment options. For mild or moderate cases of sleep apnea, an oral appliance is often sufficient instead of CPAP therapy. You may also be suffering from sleep apnea as a result of certain lifestyle choices. Avoid alcoholic beverages that can relax your throat muscles and sleep on your side instead of your back so that your tissues in your mouth do not fall back on your airway.

Bad dreams are another way sleep apnea can disrupt your life. Like many of the other symptoms associated with the disorder, you can overcome the problem by contacting a sleep apnea specialist as soon as possible. Our office specializes in treating sleep apnea. Contact us today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Relationship | 21061 Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a relatively common condition in which sufferers stop breathing multiple times throughout the night because of an obstruction in their airways. The blockage can cause sleep apnea sufferers to snore too-and poor sleep quality and snoring affect more than just how you feel the next day. Many sleep apnea patients report damage to their relationships. Read on to discover four reasons why.

1. Disturbing your partner’s sleep.

People who snore as a consequence of sleep apnea don’t do so lightly. Loud, chronic snoring is associated with this condition—the kind that can wake someone up one room away. If you’re sawing loud logs night after night, your partner probably doesn’t sleep much. Perhaps they have moved to a room in another part of the house to escape the noise. In spite of this, research shows that sleeping in the same bed as your partner has numerous benefits, such as decreased stress.

2. After a long night, you’re both grumpy.

Say your partner didn’t move into the next room to escape your snores, so they were awake for hours on end. People with sleep apnea can stop breathing and briefly awaken hundreds of times throughout the night, even if they don’t notice. It means you’ll both wake up groggy and not feeling great—and you’re likely to bring that negative energy into your relationship as well. As a result of inadequate sleep, you may have trouble regulating your emotions, causing you to lash out at your partner over things that you wouldn’t normally do.

3. Not Seeking Treatment

Another way sleep apnea can affect a relationship is if the sufferer knows he or she has a problem but refuses to take action. Have you ever considered the possibility that your dentist may be able to assist you in getting diagnosed and treated? They are the experts in all things related to your mouth, so they are the ones to consult for snoring and sleep issues.

4. Not receiving the appropriate treatment for sleep apnea

Finally, you may have sought treatment but have not found the right solution. For a long time, CPAP machines, or masks worn over the mouth during sleep, were the most common solution for snoring and sleep apnea. It is, however, a very loud and unattractive machine. With today’s sleep apnea treatments, you and your partner can both get the rest you need each night while sleeping in the same bed.

Consider seeing your dentist if any of these resonate with you. Please do not hesitate to contact us. It is time to get some relief for you and your partner!

Our sleep apnea office is dedicated to helping patients overcome sleep apnea and enjoy uninterrupted sleep once again. Contact us today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Diet for Sleep Apnea | Glen Burnie MD Sleep Apnea Treatment

The problem of snoring is a significant one, but it is not always perceived as such. There is a high probability that you have sleep apnea if you snore regularly and loudly while you sleep. You should be aware that the chances of getting sleep apnea increase as your weight and age increase. The accumulation of fat around the neck makes it difficult to breathe normally. Therefore, a diet for sleep apnea should be considered.

There is one more obvious reason to control your diet if you suffer from snoring. A person who snores is more likely to develop other health problems, such as diabetes. Consequently, sleep apnea patients should avoid foods high in cholesterol, carbohydrates, saturated fats, and other pseudo-nutrients. Often, sleep apnea can be reduced or eliminated by correcting the diet. Let’s examine the magic list of foods you must consume in order to address this issue.

Key features of the sleep apnea diet plan

Sleep quality is critical. When you’re tired, you may crave more food and don’t feel satisfied when you eat it. There is a high rate of overweight patients with sleep apnea. It is for this reason that diet and sleep apnea go hand in hand. When you avoid alcohol, refined sugars, red meat, and processed foods and choose lighter natural foods, you are more likely to succeed in overcoming the latter.

Maintaining a plant-based diet will be beneficial for sleep apnea patients. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and cereals are sources of nutrients that are long-lasting and do not require a great deal of energy to digest.

If you can’t live without meat, choose poultry and fish over beef and pork since they’re easier to digest. By losing even 10% of body weight, sleep apnea severity can be reduced by 30%–50%. In addition, physical activity burns more calories than just observing the sleep apnea diet plan.

The importance of diet and exercise in treating sleep apnea

There is no need to explain the importance of physical activity. However, when you suffer from sleep apnea, exercise is not just a recommendation, it is a necessity.

The sound of snoring signals a lack of oxygen in the body. Our organs receive more oxygen when we exercise because exercise increases blood flow. The exercises you do for apnea do not have to be anything special, as long as they are regular and varied.

Sleep specialists recommend concentrating on the neck and legs when performing apnea cure exercises. In these areas, fluid accumulates, causing pressure on surrounding vessels and blood flow. Sleep apnea dieting and exercise can be used as effective at-home methods to improve sleep quality and partially combat the disorder.

It is important to remember that snoring can become a serious problem. If this bothers you or your loved ones, you may want to consider consulting a specialist. Our office specializes in treating sleep apnea. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

How Do Mild and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Differ? | Chesapeake Sleep Center Glen Burnie MD

During sleep, obstructive sleep apnea causes your airway to become blocked multiple times, causing you to stop breathing. Not only does this weaken your immune system and increase your risk for chronic disease, but it can also shorten your life expectancy.

A patient can be diagnosed with different types of sleep apnea. What is the difference between mild and severe obstructive sleep apnea?

Mild sleep apnea characteristics
An individual suffering from mild sleep apnea experiences between five and fourteen cessations of breathing every hour. Considering that the average person sleeps 8 hours a night, this means you may stop breathing over 100 times! Symptoms of mild sleep apnea may also include fatigue during the day and snoring at night.

Your partner may notice that you sleep restlessly or wake frequently during the night. Most people with sleep apnea have no recollection of these periods of being unable to breathe. Despite its mildness, this form of obstructive sleep apnea still requires treatment.

Symptoms of severe sleep apnea
People with severe sleep apnea stop breathing 30 times or more every hour while they are sleeping. In other words, they may stop breathing almost 250 times during the course of the night. Snoring, fatigue, and restless sleep may be more pronounced in people with severe sleep apnea than in those with mild sleep apnea.

As a result of severe sleep apnea, you are also more likely to suffer from other health problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea, such as headaches upon awakening, fatigue during the day, and even depression. A specialist should be consulted if you have severe sleep apnea.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Your level of obstructive sleep apnea may be influenced by any additional medical conditions you may have as well as your level of fatigue. Sleep studies, which typically take place overnight, are the most common method of diagnosing sleep apnea. Symptoms of this disorder can be discussed with your dentist, and they may refer you to a sleep specialist.

In the past, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines were considered the only way to treat sleep apnea. Thanks to modern advances in treatment, most types of sleep apnea can now be treated with oral sleep appliances. These devices are similar to retainers in terms of fit and are easy to wear and travel with. Moreover, they provide relief from your symptoms of sleep apnea, allowing your life to return to normal.

Have you been experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea? In order to achieve a better night’s sleep, our dental office can assist you in obtaining a proper diagnosis. We can help you determine if mild or severe obstructive sleep apnea is affecting your life and health by examining your symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Chesapeake Sleep Center
Phone: 410-729-6794
7711 Quarterfield Road, Suite C-1
Glen Burnie, MD 21061