Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Sleep Apnea & Snoring in Rochester NY

Many residents of Rochester, NY have sleep apnea or other snoring-related problems. In fact, more than 25 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea. At Dr. David K Skeels, we help educate patients about these problems while we offer helpful therapies.

Snoring

In Rochester, NY, snoring affects both children and adults, although the problem can be worse in adults. Most adults snore at some point in their lives, a condition that may arise from nasal congestion, obesity, smoking, or alcohol. While snoring mostly interrupts a partner or roommate's sleep, particularly loud snoring can actually wake the snorer as well.

Generally speaking, snoring occurs more commonly in men, but it can occur in women as well, especially during/after menopause. Snoring can also indicate a more serious condition like sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea varies from patient to patient; the obstructive variety is the most common type.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs chronically and can cause breathing cessation during sleep. These breathing gaps can last as long as a minute. Just as snoring affects Rochester, NY patients of both sexes, sleep apnea affects mostly men and some women in the same way as mentioned in the snoring section, above.

Sleep apnea signs include snoring, gasping, or choking sounds. Most of the time, a partner will notice these symptoms before the sufferer does. Those who are smoke, drink alcohol, or become obese face a higher risk of sleep apnea. Physical attributes such as narrow airways or misaligned jaws also increase one's risk. 

Sleep apnea can have serious effects on a patient's life. Even after getting a full night's sleep, those with apnea may still feel tired. This fatigue increases the risk of accidents on the road and in the workplace.

Additionally, sufferers may experience headaches, forgetfulness, and a multitude of health problems. For instance, diabetes, heart disease, abnormal blood pressure, and strokes can all develop alongside sleep apnea.

Dental Appliance Therapy

If you snore or think you may have sleep apnea, first see a sleep therapy specialist. He or she will evaluate your sleeping patterns and conditions. The evaluation may include out-of-home observation or a take home assessment. Once your doctor makes a diagnosis, he or she can discuss treatment options.

Oral appliance therapy is just one treatment option. Your doctor can refer you to a dentist for examination and a dental appliance fitting.

After dental fittings, patients wear an oral appliance while asleep. This appliance is similar to a retainer or mouth guard. The shape supports the jaw to encourage an open airway. Your dentist constructs the appliance to fit comfortably in your mouth.

For more information on how dental appliances can improve your health, visit our mouth guards page.
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Call With Questions Regarding Snoring or Sleep Apnea

For any other questions concerning snoring or sleep apnea in Rochester, NY, call us now at (585) 467- 7000.

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