Sleep apnea is a serious medical sleep disorder that commonly goes undiagnosed. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is obstructed by soft tissues that collapse during sleep, blocking the airway and preventing airflow from circulating. The body becomes deprived of oxygen and patients frequently suffer from a lack of sleep.
It is an involuntary movement that can cause breathing and heart problems. Leaving sleep apnea untreated could lead to a sudden stroke or heart attack. Dr. Kaplan treats mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Am I at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can be at risk for a sleep-related disorder, but there are certain risk factors that you should be aware of and discuss with your healthcare professionals. The following could put you at a higher risk for sleep apnea.
- Family history
- Large neck circumference
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history
- Overweight
- Loud snoring
Even if you are not in the high-risk category, if you show any side effects or symptoms of sleep apnea, you should be tested. Symptoms of sleep apnea can affect your concentration, mood, and your overall health. If left untreated, sleep apnea begins to take a toll on your daily quality of life.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Dry mouth
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Depression
- Weight gain
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Dr. Marvin Kaplan coordinates Sleep Apnea treatment and provides oral sleep appliance therapy to help you sleep and breathe better. Dr. Marvin Kaplan treats patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea in Cincinnati, OH.
Before treatment, Dr. Kaplan will consult with patients and review their concerns or symptoms. If oral appliance therapy is the chosen treatment, he will take dental impressions of teeth and gums so that your custom oral appliance can be created.
Oral appliances act similarly to mouth guards in that they keep teeth from touching. This treatment also realigns the jaw and opens up the airways so that your organs can receive the proper amount of oxygen. Oral appliances are a more comfortable alternative to bulky CPAP machines and are a more discreet option as well.
Request a sleep apnea consultation
Sleep apnea increases the risk of diabetes, depression, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke. If you have any of the risk factors of sleep apnea or have noticed any symptoms of the condition, call or schedule an appointment with us online