Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep Apnea Treatments

Sleep is crucial to our physical health and mental wellness, giving us energy, reducing stress, improving mood, and helping us focus. Losing a couple of hours of rest here and there won't affect you in the long run, but constant sleep loss can leave you run down and more susceptible to ailments.

Sleep apnea is a concerning cause of sleep disruption, but Dr. Jesse Tan of Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA, can help you find the right treatment so you are resting easy and waking refreshed.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop briefly and periodically throughout the night, triggered when the muscles in the mouth cycle between relaxing and collapsing. The pauses in breathing can become dangerous if prolonged and can not only keep you from being alert and able to concentrate during the day but increase your risk of stroke or heart problems, high blood pressure, and mood disorders.

What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?

You will first likely undergo a sleep test, which monitors changes in your oxygen level and heart rate while you sleep and measures how often and how long your sleep apnea periods occur.

Some cases of sleep apnea may be remedied by losing weight, decreasing alcohol consumption, or changing what and when you eat. If treatment is required, our Long Beach, CA, office may recommend either use of a CPAP machine or an oral device.

A CPAP -- continuous positive airway pressure, -- machine consists of a mask fitted over the nose and worn during sleep. The machine controls airflow to help prevent snoring and sleep apnea bouts. A mandibular advancement device, which fits over the upper and lower dental arches like a mouth guard, is another treatment option. The device prevents the tongue from obstructing the airway.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to prevent sleep apnea.

Reclaim a proper night's rest with the help of Dr. Tan of Tan Head and Neck Center in Long Beach, CA. Call us today at 562-988-8818.