Many people go to bed each night feeling exhausted, only to wake up just as tired the next morning. The cycle of restless sleep, snoring, and gasping for air can leave you feeling drained during the day. This is a common experience for those living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing interruptions in breathing. Over time, untreated OSA can lead to serious health concerns like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, making it important to seek treatment.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, provides a personalized approach to managing obstructive sleep apnea. With her expertise in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Sharbash offers custom-made oral appliances designed to keep the airway open, ensuring restful, uninterrupted sleep. Her dedication to patient care means you’ll receive a comfortable, non-invasive solution tailored to your needs, helping you feel more energized and healthy.
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing your airway to become either partially or fully blocked. This blockage interrupts your breathing, sometimes hundreds of times a night, leading to restless sleep and other issues like snoring, gasping for air, or waking up frequently.
People with OSA often feel tired during the day, even after what seems like a full night’s sleep. While snoring can be a common symptom, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, which is why it’s important to recognize the full range of signs, including daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
Diagnosing OSA typically starts with a sleep study, either in a lab or at home. This test monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate while you sleep to assess for sleep apnea. Dr. Laura Sharbash at Newport Beach Dental Center can help identify possible signs of OSA during a routine exam. If needed, she can refer you for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated?
Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves various methods, depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. The treatment options range from lifestyle adjustments to medical devices and even surgery. Below are some of the most common treatments available for OSA:
Lifestyle Changes
For individuals with mild OSA, making certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptoms. The following modifications often target factors that contribute to airway obstruction during sleep:
- Weight loss: Losing excess weight, especially around the neck, can reduce pressure on the airway and help alleviate OSA symptoms.
- Sleep position: Sleeping on your side instead of your back can prevent the airway from collapsing, reducing the risk of snoring and sleep disruptions.
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax the muscles in your throat, increasing the likelihood of airway blockages, so avoiding them is beneficial.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking causes inflammation and irritation in the airway, so quitting can improve respiratory health and reduce OSA symptoms.
While lifestyle changes may not cure OSA, they are often an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP therapy is the gold standard for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers continuous air pressure through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, keeping the airway open during sleep. While highly effective, CPAP can be uncomfortable for some patients. Common issues include mask discomfort, noise, and difficulty adjusting to wearing the device. Despite these challenges, consistent use of a CPAP machine can greatly improve sleep quality and reduce the health risks associated with OSA.
Oral Appliance Therapy
For patients who have trouble with CPAP or prefer a more comfortable, less invasive option, oral appliance therapy is an excellent alternative. Custom-fitted by a dentist, these devices work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open while you sleep.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash specializes in providing custom oral appliances for sleep apnea. These devices are small, easy to use, and much quieter than a CPAP machine. Many patients find that an oral appliance is a more practical solution for long-term management of their OSA, especially if they travel frequently or find a CPAP uncomfortable.
Improve Your Sleep with Newport Beach Dental Center
If you’re struggling with restless sleep, daytime fatigue, or frequent snoring, you may be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. Addressing this condition can be life-changing, improving not only your sleep but also your overall health and energy levels. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we offer custom-fitted oral appliances designed to help you breathe easier and sleep soundly.
Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, has extensive experience in treating sleep apnea with non-invasive, comfortable solutions tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step toward better sleep by scheduling a consultation with us today. Call (949) 760-9212 or reach out via our contact form.
