Sleep Apnea Therapy Near Me
Sleep is essential to your overall health, yet nearly 860,000 Canadian adults struggle with sleep apnea. This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often leading to loud snoring, fatigue, and health risks if untreated.
There’s obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. With sleep apnea therapy in Calgary, NW, you can enjoy deeper rest, improved energy, and enhanced overall wellness!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is classified as a sleep-related breathing disorder, which means it is part of a group of conditions defined by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep.
The types of sleep apnea include:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, physically blocking or narrowing the airway. This narrowing causes loud snoring, and when the airway becomes fully obstructed, the person briefly stops breathing, leading to a dangerous drop in oxygen.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is a neurological issue stemming from problems in how the brain communicates with the breathing muscles. With CSA, the brainstem fails to accurately monitor carbon dioxide levels in the body during sleep. This miscommunication leads to repeated episodes of shallow or slow breathing.
Men are generally more likely to have OSA, and there is a direct correlation between high BMI and an elevated risk of developing OSA. People who are over age 65 have a heightened risk of developing CSA. If you believe these risk factors apply to you, or if you suspect you may have the condition, consult with our doctor. They can properly assess your current health and accurately diagnose your specific condition.
Unaddressed sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Mood disturbances
- Metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes
- Chronic daytime fatigue
Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea
If you suspect sleep apnea, here’s what your therapy journey at Avyan Family Dental in Calgary may look like:
- CPAP Therapy: This therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth that delivers a steady flow of pressurized air. This pressure effectively keeps the airway open during sleep, preventing both snoring and potentially dangerous lapses in breathing.
- Oral Appliances: Custom-designed oral appliances are a non-surgical alternative to CPAP. These devices are worn at night to gently reposition the jaw and/or prevent the tongue from collapsing, thereby stabilizing the soft tissues and maintaining an open airway.
- Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity, including aerobic or resistance training, and practices like yoga, can reduce disrupted breathing events during sleep and improve overall sleep quality by strengthening upper airway muscles.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms, as obesity, particularly in the upper body, can increase the risk of airway collapse.
Seeking Sleep Apnea Support?
If you are looking for more information about professional sleep apnea therapy treatment in NW Calgary, the team at Avyan Family Dental is ready to assist you. We are dedicated to supporting your journey toward achieving optimal dental health and overall wellness, and our staff will provide the necessary resources and guidance to meet your goals.
Call us at (587) 327-9990 to schedule a personalized consultation!
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea Therapy
CPAP is highly effective for moderate to severe OSA, but many patients find the technology to be uncomfortable or noisy. It also requires a mask to be worn, which may not be ideal for travelling. Oral appliances are small, portable, and quiet – making them easier to wear consistently. Have questions about which treatment is right for you? Book a visit with us by calling (587) 327-9990!
Yes. Because it’s custom-made to fit your mouth, most patients adjust quickly. It feels similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. Within a short period of time, wearing it can become a natural and essential part of your normal bedtime routine. You can schedule a personalized, judgment-free consultation with us via our Contact page to get started!
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can cause more than fatigue – it increases the risk of serious health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Canadian Dental Association both stress that OSA is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even early mortality. It’s a serious sleep disorder, and treating it protects your long-term health.
Yes. In fact, the Sleep Foundation states that researchers estimate that between 1-5% of children have OSA. OSA in children is often linked to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, whether due to genetics, infection, or inflammation, can significantly narrow the airway and impede breathing during sleep. Childhood obesity is another major contributing factor, with about 60% of obese children experiencing OSA due to airway constriction.
Many patients notice less snoring, fewer nighttime awakenings, and more energy during the day. A follow-up sleep visit with our friendly doctor can help us confirm if your sleep apnea symptoms have reduced. Anytime you are concerned about whether or not your sleep apnea solution is working, you can reach out to us for support at (587) 327-9990!
