Sleep Apnea
Having Trouble Sleeping?
What Is Sleep Apnea?
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Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes blocked airways, trouble breathing, and snoring. When your upper airways are blocked, your brain will signal your body to wake so that you can start breathing normally. Though you may be unaware of these interruptions, you could stop breathing and wake up dozens or even hundreds of times each night.
The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
You may not be aware of your frequent sleep interruptions as they happen, but sleep apnea has numerous symptoms. The signs of sleep apnea may include:
- Loud snoring
- Chronic exhaustion
- Daytime sleepiness
- Chronic headaches
- Sore throat when waking
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
Why You Should Seek Treatment Sleep Apnea Can Have Lasting Effects on Your Well-Being
If you're suffering from excessive snoring, chronic fatigue, or any of the other symptoms of sleep apnea, you should seek treatment quickly. This condition can take a significant toll on your quality of life and result in a range of consequences, including:
Daytime sleepiness can cause impairment while you are working, driving, or doing other tasks that need your complete focus. Feeling sleepy or inattentive during these activities can lead to decreased productivity and, in some cases, serious injury.
Chronic poor sleep can make you feel angry, sad, and irritable during the day. These negative emotions can deeply impact your relationships with your partner, friends, family, and coworkers, adding unnecessary stress and difficulty to your everyday life.
Sleep apnea can increase your risk of additional health issues, including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. If you suffer from sleep apnea, timely treatment is crucial to lowering these risks and maintaining your health.
Is Sleep Apnea Keeping You From a Restful Night of Sleep? Contact Our Salt Lake City Practice Today
High-quality sleep is crucial to maintaining your health and overall sense of well-being. Our board-certified oral surgeon, Dustin J. Hopkin, can arrange a comprehensive sleep study to diagnose your condition and get you started with effective treatment. Our Salt Lake City office even offers same-day appointments so you can receive the care you need as quickly as possible.
Relief from fatigue is just around the corner. Contact our Salt Lake City, UT, practice today to begin your sleep apnea treatment.
(801) 277-3942
"Dr. Hopkin and staff are a well-organized team." Read Why Utah Patients Trust Hopkin Oral Surgery
JoLynn Criddle
2022
Dr. Hoskin and staff are a well organized team. They communicate quickly and efficiently, stay on schedule and provide A plus care.
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Pauline Higgins
2022
The staff at Hopkin Dental is very efficient, friendly and professional. I felt I received very good care there when I needed a tooth implant.
View On GoogleThe Three Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the tissues of your soft palate or throat relax while you sleep. As the soft tissues loosen and sag, they block your throat and upper airway so that air cannot pass through normally. In some cases, your tongue may relax back into the throat, having a similar obstructive effect.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is another type of this sleep disorder. When you sleep, your brain sends signals to your muscles and upper airways that it's time to breathe. Sometimes this unconscious communication is interrupted. Central sleep apnea prevents oxygen from properly moving through your airways, causing poor sleep quality.
Complex Sleep Apnea
In some cases, it is possible to experience a combination of the physical blockages from obstructive sleep apnea and the lack of brain and muscle communication experienced in central sleep apnea. Complex sleep apnea is the least common form of the condition. Patients are more likely to have just one type of sleep apnea.
What Are the Risk Factors For Developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is very common, and obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most prevalent form of the condition. In fact, studies estimate that nearly 1 billion adults worldwide suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Certain factors can influence your risk of developing this type of sleep apnea, including your:
Weight
Excess weight is the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Extra fat deposits around your neck and upper airway can disrupt your breathing during sleep.Airway Size
Genetics, injury, and certain autoimmune conditions can cause a narrow airway, making breathing more difficult. Large tonsils or adenoids can also obstruct your breathing.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women. However, women's risk of developing the condition greatly increases after menopause.Age
Sleep apnea is much more common in older adults than in children and teens.Lifestyle
Smoking and frequent alcohol consumption can significantly increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
Family History
You are more likely to develop a sleeping disorder if anyone in your family suffers from the same issue.
Medical Conditions
Health issues like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and congestive heart failure can increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Care Timeline
Here's how your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment may work at Hopkin Oral Surgery.
Find Treatment for Your Sleep Apnea At Hopkin Oral Surgery
Learning about sleep apnea may feel overwhelming. However, it also means that you're one step closer to treatment from a professional who truly cares about your health.
Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin understands the current and far-reaching effects of sleep apnea and offers effective treatments at his Salt Lake City, UT, oral surgery practice. He can address your condition using a non-invasive, custom-made oral appliance or a prescription for CPAP therapy. With his personalized care, you can enjoy improved breathing patterns and overall increased physical health.
To sleep restfully, contact our Salt Lake City office or call:
(801) 277-3942
"Amazing staff! Such a nice, welcoming environment." Our Patients Are Our Top Priority
Diana Godoy
2022
Amazing Staff! Such a nice welcoming environment. We loved how they explained all the procedure step by step. It was a great and quick experience.
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Patrick Dredden
2022
Prompt, clearly explained the procedure thoroughly, upfront about Costs. Office had a good vibe, Doctor and staff upbeat and positive.
View On GoogleYour Treatment Options
The two main treatment options for your sleep apnea are a custom-made oral appliance or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Both options can help you reduce the effects of your sleep disorder and lower your risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health issues. Dr. Hopkin can determine the best treatment option for you after your consultation and diagnosis.
Oral Appliance
If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Hopkin can provide a custom-made oral appliance. This device will fit comfortably over your teeth and place gentle pressure on your lower jaw. As your jaw slightly protrudes forward, your soft palate will tighten so that it no longer drops into your throat, opening your airway and eliminating loud snoring. Your oral appliance will be small and convenient for more peaceful nights.
CPAP Machine
A CPAP machine is worn while you sleep. The machine includes a mask that fits comfortably over your nose and a hose that allows pressurized air to continuously flow through your airway so you can breathe easily while you sleep.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle factors like regular exercise, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake can significantly reduce the effects of sleep apnea. In some cases, these changes alone may be enough to help you find the relief you're looking for. However, depending on the severity of your sleep disorder, it may be best to continue using your CPAP machine or custom oral appliance in addition to making lifestyle changes.
Will I Need a CPAP Machine?
It's entirely possible that you will not need to use a CPAP machine to alleviate the effects of your obstructive sleep apnea. While CPAP therapy is highly effective in most cases, some patients have difficulty adjusting to the machine, and others do not experience the full benefits they're looking for after a period of continued use. If these issues apply to you, you may prefer using a custom oral appliance instead.
After you receive a diagnosis, Dr. Hopkin will speak with you about which treatment option will best fit your personal needs. If you have been diagnosed with central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea, we can refer you to a specialist for treatment.
Our goal is to improve your comfort, sleep quality, and overall health through attentive, individualized care. If you have any questions regarding your treatment options, don't hesitate to reach out to our Salt Lake City, UT, practice.
"I highly recommend this oral surgeon!" 5-Star Reviews from Our Salt Lake City, UT, Patients
gamer plush
2022
The staff is friendly, and really care. Dr. Hopkin has a great sense of humor, and a way of making you feel comfortable, and at ease with the procedure. I highly recommend this Oral surgeon!
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Angelique Pollock
2022
Love this oral surgeon. They call you back and text back in a timely manner.
When going in I was really nervous, but they made me feel comfortable and did the procedure quickly. Thanks!
