What disorder could you have in common with 18 million other Americans? The National Sleep Foundation says it's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by loud snoring and several nightly episodes of interrupted breathing. Here at our office in St. Clair Shores, MI, Dr. P. Steven Wainess helps many sleep apnea patients treat their condition in a non-invasive manner. Learn what interventions could help you sleep better.

What is sleep apnea?

Characterized by loud snoring, breathing cessation, daytime fatigue, depression, and more, sleep apnea happens consistently night after night to those who suffer from it. Most sleep apnea patients are males 60 and older. However, women, and young people, especially those who are overweight or obese, may also experience it.

Most cases of sleep apnea occur when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax and cover the back of the throat, blocking the free flow of air. Experts call this Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA. Other patients may have Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which originates in the nervous system. Mixed Sleep Apnea combines features of CSA and OSA.

Regrettably, symptoms of sleep apnea impact more than how soundly you sleep.  This sleep disorder contributes to heart disease, hypertension, stroke, driving-related accidents, and more.
 

Treating sleep apnea

Commonly, CPAP therapy helps relieve symptoms. This bedside machine delivers air through a nasal mask worn at night. However, many people don't need, or cannot tolerate, CPAP. In these cases, oral appliance therapy may be a better choice.

What is oral appliance therapy? At our St. Clair Shores office, Dr. Wainess offers customized sleep apnea solutions: acrylic appliances that fit comfortably inside the mouth. This small device opens the airway and keeps it open as a patient sleeps, thus ensuring a peaceful night of rest and dramatically improving your sleep patterns.

Find out more

Dr. Wainess and his team will work with you and your physician to discover the best sleep apnea treatment. Call our St. Clair Shores office today for a consultation: (586) 293-1515.