Do you think you may be suffering from Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea

Twelve to eighteen million people (including children) in the US suffer from moderate so severe sleep apnea, but the majority remain undiagnosed and untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences. Moreover, sleep apnea may be responsible for motor vehicle accidents as well as accidents on the job, due to excessive daytime sleepiness.

Your symptoms may include:
  • excessive daytime sleepiness
  • learning or memory difficulties
  • sexual dysfunction
  • morning headaches
  • general fatigue
  • loud snoring
  • mood swings
  • depression
  • irritability
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by blockage or narrowing of the upper airway, causing an interruption in breathing during sleep. This keeps air from reaching the lungs. In some cases, breathing may stop for a minute or so. The pauses in breathing disrupt sleep and prevent adequate amounts of oxygen from entering the bloodstream.
Dangers of sleep apnea:
People with the severe form of the disorder that interferes with sleep are several times more likely to die from any cause than those without apnea.

If untreated, sleep apnea can cause a variety of problems, including:

  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • stroke
  • memory problems
  • weight gain
  • impotency
  • headaches
  • excessive daytime sleepiness
  • death

Fortunately, sleep apnea can easily be diagnosed and treated.

Dr. Banchik is committed to treating all of her patients like members of her family – with individualized attention and a great concern for the patients comfort. Her specialized education combined with broad experience provides her patients with state of the art, personalized dental care. As an active member of several dental organizations, Dr. Banchik is on the forefront of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Banchik continues her studies at the world renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where she has completed numerous courses in the most advanced techniques of aesthetic dentistry, treatment of temporomandibular disorder and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

For information on the dangers of airway obstruction and sleep apnea in children, click here, and also read our blog.

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, call our office today at (702) 341-9597 and sleep better, and have a safer tomorrow.