Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes a reduction of airflow or pause in breathing that can last for 10 to 20 seconds and can occur over a hundred times throughout the night.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea and is a result of reduced air flow to the lungs caused by a breathing obstruction. When proper air flow in the body is disrupted, not enough oxygen reaches the brain which can lead to a variety of medical problems such as hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarctions, acid reflex, diabetes, and weight gain.
Sleep apnea can also result in sleep deprivation. Sleep apnea sufferers will generally wake up feeling tired and can remain fatigued throughout the day and unable to concentrate. This can cause another host of complications with the immune system and can result in poor mental and emotional stability.
Although one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring, not all people with sleep apnea snore. Gasping or choking during the night are also common symptoms of sleep apnea.
To help patients sleep better and achieve overall health and well being, Dr. Connolly offers a variety of treatment options for obstructive sleep disorders.
For mild sleep apnea cases. Dr. Connolly can provide oral appliance therapy. This is a non-invasive treatment that uses a type of oral appliance that helps open the airway by moving the base of the tongue forward. The oral device is similar to a retainer or mouth guard and helps to successfully improve breathing and reduce snoring. For more severe cases of aleep apnea, Dr. Connolly will recommend other more suitable treatment options that will discussed in your initial consultation.
