Do you snore loudly at night? If so, you could be suffering from sleep apnea, a condition that affects over 22 million Americans. Untreated, it can negatively impact your health, but there’s a way to recover – with sleep apnea therapy in Denver. If you’re expecting a refund from your taxes, learn how it can be put to good use to help you finally get the quality rest you need!
What is Sleep Apnea?
For people suffering from sleep apnea, getting a full night of rest usually won’t translate into any energy renewal. Instead, they are left feeling tired and lethargic the next day.
That’s because throughout the night, they have had dozens-if not hundreds of pauses in their breathing, each causing an emergency reaction from the brain that breaks sleep. Because this can happen so frequently, people miss out on the usual benefits of a night of slumber.
The Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
The first step to receiving treatment for sleep apnea is to be able to recognize the symptoms. Here are some of the more common “red flags” to lookout for:
- Lost libido
- Bed-wetting
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Daytime fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
If you notice any of these changes, you can take a sleep survey offered by a local dentist. Then, if the results reflect the possibility of reoccurring apnea, you should reach out to your physician to schedule a sleep test.
How Sleep Apnea is Usually Treated
If you’re found to have sleep apnea, then you can recover with help from a sleep dentist. The most common form of therapy is the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which is designed to deliver a steady stream of oxygen while you sleep to prevent any lapse in breathing.
While this form of therapy is effective, many patients find it challenging to sleep comfortably while wearing a mask that connects to a machine.
Thankfully, there is a remedy – the SomnoMed oral appliance. Designed to address the most common type of apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which refers to a partial blockage of the airway, the device is portable, quiet, and it easily fits in the mouth.
It works by slightly shifting the jaw forward to allow for better airflow, which also prevents the tongue from falling to the back of the mouth. Additionally, the SomnoMed device provides a remedy for people who have substantial neck girth that causes air restriction.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Treatment?
Because coverages can differ depending on the insurance company, you’ll need to reach out to your insurer to find out whether your benefits will cover an oral sleep appliance in Denver. Then, if you are left with an out-of-pocket expense, you can put your tax refund to excellent use and get the rest you desperately need.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Radz not only treats sleep apnea, but he also has been receiving treatment to address his own apnea for the past eight years. Thus, he understands on a personal level what patients need to recover from sleep apnea and get the quality rest they need. A member of the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines and the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Radz has both the knowledge and experience to effectively treat sleep apnea at his private practice. He can be reached for more information through his website.