At-Home Tips for Controlling Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can increase the risk for several types of dangerous conditions like heart failure and stroke. That is why it is important to seek treatment, like we have available here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY. In addition to the treatment we can provide, there are some at-home tips to help minimize the effects of obstructive sleep apnea.

Your Sleeping Position. Sleeping on your side is the best sleep position for someone with sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back can worsen the symptoms and effects of sleep apnea. Sleeping on your side will help keep your airway open.

Sedatives. The second tip is to avoid sleep aids and alcohol. Sedatives, alcohol, and anything else that can depress your breathing can also make sleep apnea worse. If a person with sleep apnea is heavily sedated, the combination can be highly dangerous because the body may not react as it should to begin breathing. This can result in death in severe cases.

Healthy Weight. A healthy weight is very important for patients with sleep apnea. Overweight individuals can make the effects of sleep apnea much worse because it can cause further collapse of your airway. Live a healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising daily. You can talk to your doctor about safe ways to lose weight if needed.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that should be treated. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to find out your options for treatment. To schedule an appointment with Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call us at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com. 

What to Do About Sleep Apnea in New York, NY

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects the way you breathe while sleeping. By causing your breath to become interrupted for 10 to 20 seconds at a time and jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm multiple times a night, the condition can cause your energy, mental acuity and productivity to suffer. Over time, sleep apnea can even lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and weight gain.

At Maiden Lane Dental, Dr. Lloyd Becker uses oral surgery to treat sleep apnea and increase the quality of sleep and life for patients.  Oral surgery relieves sleep apnea symptoms by removing the blockage caused by excess tissue, which vibrates and blocks the upper air passages. One way this is done is through UPPP, or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which involves removing excess tissue from the upper mouth and throat while under general anesthesia. Maxillomandibular advancement is another procedure used to treat sleep apnea. This procedure moves the lower jaw forward, away from the rest of facial bones, which allows more room behind the soft palate and reduces any obstruction.

If these treatments fail to relieve your sleep apnea, a tracheostomy can be performed. A tracheostomy is when a tube is inserted into your throat to allow breathing. The tube is covered during the day while you are awake and then opened at night while you sleep.

If you have have sleep apnea, call 212-509-4585 to schedule an appointment in New York, NY. For more information about the doctor and his services, visit www.maidenlanedental.com.