Sleep Apnea in Encino, CA

Helping You Sleep Better with Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep is a vital process that allows your mind and body to rest, recover, and function at their best every day. While many people joke about getting by on minimal sleep, chronic poor sleep can lead to serious physical and mental exhaustion. For millions of Americans, this is a daily reality caused by a condition known as sleep apnea. At Encino Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer solutions to help you get the restorative sleep you need.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that disrupts your sleep by causing you to stop breathing momentarily while asleep. This pause in breathing triggers your brain to partially wake you up so you can resume breathing. These interruptions can occur anywhere from 5 to over 30 times per hour of sleep.

Each time this happens, your body restarts the sleep cycles, preventing you from completing them and leaving you physically and mentally exhausted.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Waking up tired is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. Other signs include:

• Snoring, often noticed by a partner.
• Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks.
• Falling asleep during the day, including at work or while driving.
• Irritability and trouble controlling emotions.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Heart disease.
• Diabetes.
• Low blood oxygen levels.
  

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study, which may be conducted in a sleep lab or at home. During the study, computers monitor your breathing, vital signs, and muscle activity as you sleep.

• A sleep lab study provides a comprehensive assessment and is often recommended.
• A home sleep study offers a modified version and may require a follow-up lab study for a full diagnosis.

Once the study is complete, a sleep specialist reviews the results to diagnose sleep apnea and recommend treatment.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

There are several treatment options for managing sleep apnea, depending on the severity of your condition. These include:

• Weight Loss: For some individuals, losing weight can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
• C-PAP Therapy: A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP) machine delivers a steady flow of air through a mask to keep your airway open.
• Oral Appliance Therapy: A custom oral appliance aligns your jaws and oral tissues to prevent them from blocking the airway, ensuring you breathe easily throughout the night.
• Oral Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include removing excess tissue or repositioning the jaws to keep the airway open.

We work closely with you to determine the best treatment for your needs.