At Logan & Fritsch Dentistry, we want you to get restful sleep!

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes interruptions in a person's breathing while they sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to a minute or more and can occur hundreds of times a night. They can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity, a large neck circumference, and nasal congestion.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, difficulty staying asleep, and feeling tired during the day. It is often undiagnosed because it occurs during sleep, but it can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Treatment for sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives. Other treatments include the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a stream of air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep, and surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or repair structural abnormalities in the nose or throat. A oral appliance can also be made to reposition your tongue and jaw. A surgical procedure could be done to remove obstructed tissue or to implant a device to help position the tongue.

It is important to see a doctor if you think you may have sleep apnea, as it can have serious consequences if left untreated. A sleep study, which is typically done at home, can help diagnose sleep apnea and determine the best course of treatment.