Sleep Apnea Treatment Springfield
Sleep Deeply & Feel Like Yourself Again
Over 20 million Americans struggle with sleep apnea each night, and that number is probably low because roughly 80-90% of cases are undiagnosed. Do you feel exhausted all the time no matter how much you sleep? Have memory problems or persistent “brain fog”? Been told you snore loudly? All of these are telltale symptoms of a serious disorder called sleep apnea, but Dr. Gramse can offer a solution that is simple, proven, and will be custom-made for you. With sleep apnea treatment in Springfield, you can finally start getting the rest you deserve.
Why Choose Dr. Laura Gramse Family Dental Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Sleep Dentist with 25+ Years of Experience
- Dental Office Locations in Springfield & Palmer
- Convenient At-Home Sleep Testing
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
People with sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods of time repeatedly throughout the night (up to 100+ times in severe cases). These interruptions not only prevent someone from reaching the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep that make them feel rested, but they also spike someone’s blood pressure and can lead to hypertension, a primary risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. Plus, research has repeatedly shown that “drowsy driving” is actually more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
- Chronic tiredness despite sleeping seven to nine hours each night
- Loud snoring every single night
- Headaches/sore throats in the morning
- Waking up gasping for breath or sweating
- Frequent urination throughout the night
- Memory issues or “brain fog”
- Feelings of depression/anxiety
- Accelerated weight gain/trouble losing weight
- Sexual dysfunction
At-Home Sleep Testing
Before anyone can receive treatment for sleep apnea, they need to be officially diagnosed first. In the past, a patient would have to spend a night in a lab hooked up to various machines—not the most restful environment you can imagine! But now, people can accomplish this important step in the comfort of home. We simply give a patient a small device to wear to bed one night, and this records all kinds of data that will then be evaluated by a licensed sleep physician.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
While the harms of sleep apnea are quite scary, the condition is relatively easy to treat. The most popular option is CPAP therapy, in which a patient wears a mask to bed that is attached to an air pump. This creates a steady flow of oxygen into the throat so that someone is able to breathe normally while they sleep.
However, many patients don’t like using a CPAP machine because they are uncomfortable—about 50% of those prescribed one stop within the first year. However, Dr. Gramse can offer a more comfortable alternative in the form of oral appliance therapy. All a patient has to do is wear a small, custom mouthpiece to bed. This shifts the lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway open. It’s simple, quiet, and much easier to travel with compared to a CPAP, making it easier for patients to enjoy the benefits of consistent treatment night after night.
