Does Sleep Apnea Go Away?
For many people, sleep apnea is a condition that develops without the sufferer even knowing about it. This sleep disorder results in the sufferer starting and stopping breathing multiple times throughout the night, resulting in complications like fatigue, irritability, and even high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. For most people, sleep apnea is a chronic condition that will not go away on its own without intentional treatment; however, treatment options can be very effective. Here’s what you should know—
Who Gets Sleep Apnea?
Both children and adults can develop sleep apnea, although it is more common in adults. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Overweight or obese
- Large neck circumference
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Older age
- Being male
- Family history
- Use of tranquilizers or sedatives
- Nasal congestion
- Certain medical conditions
While some cases of sleep apnea may be reversed simply by doing something like losing weight, the underlying and specific cause of sleep apnea is often elusive, and multiple factors may be to blame. It’s important to talk with your doctor about your sleep apnea and how it relates to your overall health.
Treating Sleep Apnea: Diet, Lifestyle Changes, and Other Options
While sleep apnea may not go away on its own in most cases, there are treatment options available that you can—and should—pursue if you have sleep apnea. Treatment options include:
- Losing weight or making other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or stopping the use of sedatives, tranquilizers, or/and alcohol
- Using an airway pressure device, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device
- Using an oral appliance while you sleep
- Treating associated medical problems
- Considering surgery in severe cases
The first thing that you should do if you suspect that you have sleep apnea is to get a proper diagnosis from your physician. From there, your physician can review your medical record to identify the root cause of your sleep apnea and design a treatment plan that makes sense for you. If an oral appliance is a recommended treatment option, your doctor may refer you to your dentist, who can design and fit an oral appliance for you.
Talk to a Sleep Apnea Professional Today
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are exploring different treatment options, we strongly recommend that you talk to a sleep apnea professional and that you consider the efficacy of an oral appliance for sleep apnea treatment. At Distinctive Dental Solutions, we can fit your oral appliance and provide you with instructions for use. We are accepting new patients. Call our office today to learn more.
