Falls Church Sleep Apnea - Sleep Disorder Treatment
Do you find yourself snoring throughout the night and waking up feeling unrested? You may be experiencing sleep apnea—a serious condition that affects more than 25 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Unfortunately, most cases go undiagnosed and untreated, which can put your health at risk and leave you dealing with bothersome symptoms. Getting in touch with our Falls Church sleep apnea doctor or a sleep medicine specialist near you is the first step toward diagnosis and treatment. That way, you can get back to focusing on what matters most.
Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, OSA, occurs when the throat muscles relax and block your airway during sleep. Loud snoring is a typical sign of this condition.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common than OSA, CSA happens when the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It’s often linked to heart failure or stroke.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This form combines both OSA and CSA, meaning the cause is both physical and neurological.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
- Persistent lack of energy
- Morning headaches
- Large neck size
- Gasping, choking, or coughing at night
- Depression
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Acid reflux
- Irregular breathing during sleep, including snoring
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
If left unaddressed, sleep apnea can contribute to many serious health issues, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Worsening ADHD symptoms
- Chronic headaches
Our Falls Church Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
At Drs. Love and Miller in Falls Church, VA, our dental team utilizes advanced diagnostic tools—such as an acoustic pharyngometer and rhinometer—to assess your airway health. These devices help our team pinpoint airway stability while you’re awake and simulate what happens while you sleep.
Our dental professionals treat OSA with custom oral appliances. These mouthguards offer a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines for individuals with mild to moderate OSA, and can even help reduce air pressure requirements for those with severe cases. By gently moving your jaw forward, an oral appliance opens your airway, preventing your tongue and palate from obstructing airflow. Many patients prefer oral appliances, as they tend to be less cumbersome than CPAP face masks and are easier to use while traveling.
Connect With Our Falls Church Sleep Apnea Experts
At Drs. Love and Miller, P.C., we are dedicated to your health and well-being—not just your teeth. Our sleep apnea experts in Falls Church, VA have extensive experience guiding patients toward relief from sleep apnea. Ready to sleep better and feel better? Schedule your appointment today.
