Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Honolulu
Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Honolulu We provide quality treatment for sleep apnea in Honolulu. Waking up after a full night’s sleep but not feeling rested or regularly waking up with a headache are common sleep apnea symptoms. Maybe your partner says you snore or can hear that you stop breathing occasionally while asleep. Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking might also interrupt your sleep. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to severe health risks, including cardiovascular problems, stroke, and complications with anesthesia. Furthermore, if left untreated, this disorder can lead to significant health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Addressing the symptoms and causes, as well as receiving proper treatment early on can prevent such health issues down the road. If you need treatment for sleep apnea in Honolulu, check out Dr. Joshua Cardwell and his staff of professionals. What is Sleep Apnea, and is it Dangerous? Primarily, there are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA is the more prevalent type of sleep apnea and occurs when the throat muscles randomly relax and block the airway during sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep and lowered oxygen levels. Central Sleep Apnea: Central Sleep Apnea involves the brain failing to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Like OSA, Central Sleep Apnea can disrupt sleep and lower oxygen levels. Sleep apnea isn’t considered fatal. But research has found those who don’t get treated for sleep apnea are more likely to die suddenly within a certain period than people who don’t suffer from sleep apnea. That’s because of its links to serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Free Consultation for Diagnosing Sleep Apnea Learn all you can about your oral health! If you notice that you experience loud snoring, frequent daytime tiredness, headaches, or suddenly waking and gasping for air, you might suffer from sleep apnea. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Cardwell if these symptoms affect your sleep or lifestyle. During your consultation, Dr. Cardwell will listen to your symptoms, check your oral and health histories, and use specialized screenings to evaluate symptoms like teeth grinding, jaw alignment, and airway obstructions. From there, he will advise you on the best treatment method. Therapies for Treating Sleep Apnea CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. A mask and machine deliver constant air to keep your airways open during sleep. Machines are adjustable so the patient can find the correct settings for them. Oral Appliance Technology Dr. Cardwell also offers Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), which positions the lower jaw forward to keep your airway open at night. Dr. Cardwell is highly trained in treating sleep apnea and has extensive experience treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and fitting dental implants. This background has given Dr. Cardwell a deep understanding of the parts of the mouth and how they coordinate to affect airways during sleep. Using OAT, he will fit you with a mandibular advancement splint that properly repositions the jaw to maintain an open airway and allow for unobstructed breathing. Lifestyle Changes Incorporating lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. Dr. Cardwell advises a healthy diet free from overeating (especially at night), regular exercise, quitting smoking or vaping, treating allergies, and avoiding alcohol at night. Patients should also establish a regular sleep schedule and can also try sleeping on one side rather than on their back to prevent sleep apnea. Treatment For Sleep Apnea in Honolulu Everybody deserves quality rest and sleep at night. Not only does sleep affect overall happiness and alertness during the day, but it also has long-term benefits for heart and brain health. If you are in the Honolulu area, contact us to schedule an appointment in our office.