Sleep apnea is a condition that causes brief interruptions in breathing throughout the night, which can interfere with achieving restful sleep. You might have sleep apnea if you regularly wake up unrested or often feel sleepy throughout the day. We treat sleep apnea at our office in San Jose, CA, where Dr. Pauline Lu can fit you with a snore guard to help you breathe easier at night.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is often associated with chronic snoring and pauses in breathing. Both symptoms occur as a result of the airway being partially blocked. The airway can become blocked when tissues in the throat relax and collapse across the airway, which causes those tissues to vibrate. This vibration is what produces the sound you hear when someone snores. Additionally, the collapsed tissues prevent air from readily reaching the lungs, which can result in brief pauses in breathing.
Individuals with sleep apnea do not necessarily know they have it and might wonder why they are unable to attain restful sleep. Some symptoms that can be an indication of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Gasping for breath
- Interrupted breathing
- A headache upon waking
- Feeling unrested upon waking
- Irritability throughout the day
- Feeling sleepy throughout the day
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
Factors that can increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea include being middle-aged and overweight. Having high blood pressure or a family history of sleep apnea can also increase your risk for it. Additionally, men are more likely to develop the condition than women.
Snore Guards
The traditional method for treating sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This method involves the use of a machine and mask that can be a bit overwhelming and cumbersome. Fortunately, there is a comfortable alternative. We offer snore guards for sleep apnea at our office in San Jose.
A snore guard is a small appliance that fits comfortably in the mouth, somewhat similar to a mouthguard. The function of the snore guard is to keep the airway open by holding the lower jaw in a forward position. By maintaining an open airway, the snore guard prevents snoring and interruptions in breathing so you can finally enjoy a satisfying night’s sleep. You will wake up feeling rested with more energy throughout the day.
If you have sleep apnea, we can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pauline Lu to discuss obtaining a snore guard for your sleep apnea by calling our office in San Jose, CA, at (408) 260-0888.