Sleep Apnea

Overnight disturbances, such as sleep apnea, impede essential rest and greatly reduce one’s quality of life. Robert A. Scherrer, DMD, and the team offer several treatment options for this severe sleep disorder at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood. Call the Ridgewood, New Jersey office to schedule an appointment or book through the online reservation system.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition where breathing stops periodically during sleep. This causes the brain to wake the body up to secure enough oxygen. However, this defense mechanism prevents adequate and essential REM sleep.

Research indicates insignificant rest contributes to increased obesity, stroke, and heart attack risk factors. Moreover, feelings of fatigue make daily life difficult.

The various types of sleep apnea are identified as obstructive, central, or complex. Obstructive sleep apnea results from the relaxation of the throat muscles, while central sleep apnea occurs from inadequate signals from the brain to the breathing muscles. Symptoms of complex sleep apnea mix aspects of the other types together.

What are the symptoms that I have sleep apnea?

Signs of sleep apnea may vary greatly and prove difficult to pinpoint. It’s easy to contribute symptoms as a result of something else, but common signs include:

• Loud snoring
• Feelings of fatigue throughout the day
• Cognitive changes that may increase the prevalence of anxiety and depression
• Short-term memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequently waking during the night
• Insomnia
• Morning headaches
• Pauses in breathing, as noted by a witness

Sleep apnea also presents other symptoms in children. Hyperactivity and poor school performance may be the result of sleep apnea. Moreover, night sweats and bedwetting also manifest in children with sleep apnea.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

The team diagnoses sleep apnea through a comprehensive medical examination. A test known as nocturnal polysomnography monitors important vitals during overnight rest, such as breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This test is considered the gold standard when providing a sleep apnea diagnosis.

How do doctors treat sleep apnea?

Many treatments exist to meet your specific needs and to treat sleep apnea. Lifestyle modifications often treat mild cases of sleep apnea. Losing weight and forgoing smoking products demonstrate positive effects on sleep apnea. Other less invasive measures include nasal sprays, sleeping aids, and alterations to medications. 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices help treat sleep apnea in moderate to severe cases. CPAP is the most common and effective treatment option. However, if CPAP proves ineffective, Dr. Scherrer may resort to other advanced methods, such as oral appliances or surgery. 

Call the office today to book an appointment or schedule through the online reservation portal.