Though common, obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that needs to be treated as quickly as possible. Sleep apnea is when your breathing is consistently interrupted as you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of two varieties of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea deals with the signals your brain sends your body while you sleep; OSA is when something is physical obstructing the airflow and is much more common. Untreated sleep apnea of any kind can set you up for serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke or heart failure.
OSA can be caused by a number of factors, including both genetic and environmental factors. Some factors that increase your risk for sleep apnea are:
-Over 40 years old
-Overweight
-Large tonsils or tongue
-Family history of sleep apnea
-Deviated septum
-Allergies or sinus problems
Treatment options may include oral appliance therapy, Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy treatments or surgery. Consult with our doctor to determine if you have sleep apnea, and to construct a personalized treatment plan.
If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea and you are in the Arvada, Colorado, area, call Craniofacial Pain Center Of Colorado at 303.421.2696 to schedule an appointment! Dr. Benne, Dr. Bieneman and our team will be happy to help get you sleeping well, breathing right, and smiling big!
