Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night, depriving the body of oxygen and disrupting the sleep cycle. Sleep apnea not only impacts sleep quality but also can increase the risk of several health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime fatigue.
Sleep apnea can be caused by various factors, including obesity, family history, age, smoking, and structural issues in the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, occurs when throat muscles relax excessively during sleep.
Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study, which may be conducted in a sleep lab or at home. The study monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other indicators while you sleep.
The best treatment depends on the type and severity of sleep apnea. Mild to moderate cases often respond well to oral appliance therapy, while severe cases may require CPAP or other medical interventions.
The cost of treatment varies depending on the solution prescribed. Yanagi Dental Irvine offers 0% financing to make sleep apnea treatment more affordable for patients.