Sleeping is one of the most important things we can do to keep our bodies and our mind functioning properly. Disturbances in sleep can be caused by Sleep Apnea, and Dr. Vickie Greenberg in Pasadena is on the forefront of using Orthodontics to treat it.
Read on to learn more about Sleep Apnea, and if an orthodontic approach may be right for you.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea causes difficulties in breathing during sleep. The person suffering may wake up several times during the night without being aware of it, and the condition is usually accompanied by snoring.
Sleep Apnea can be dangerous to your health. You won’t necessarily be aware of the sleep disruptions, though your partner probably will be. You will notice the affects the next day because they lead to drowsiness, irritability, difficulties with concentrating, and all of the other not so fun things that go along with poor sleep.
Waking up several times a night can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can lead to more serious consequences, such as heart attack or stroke.
It’s not healthy in the long or short term to have your breathing interrupted like this. Snoring is tough on a relationship, and the repercussions can cause many undesirable consequences to your lifestyle and health. Fortunately there are a number of treatment options available for Sleep Apnea.
Dr. Vickie Greenberg embraces a holistic approach to her Sleep Apnea cases. As with any health problem, each person is different. Dr. Greenberg understands that different treatments work for different people, and is passionate about some new options available such as the Fotona Laser.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
One option for sleep apnea that you’ve probably heard of is the CPAP machine. It consists of a mask and wear while you sleep, connected to a breathing. It works by increasing the air pressure in your throat so that the airway doesn’t collapse upon exhaling, which is what causes the snoring.
Another treatment option is a fitted mouthpiece, also to be worn during sleep. They work by repositioning the jaw or tongue so that the airway is not obstructed. These can be effective also. They may be more desirable than the cumbersome mask and tube and machine that a CPAP consists of, and may be sufficient for many cases.
One approach Dr. Greenberg uses for treating sleep apnea is the Fotona Laser. This is a non-surgical “rejuvenating” laser, which tightens the tissue in the palate by enhancing collagen. This widens out the airway, lessening the source of the airway obstruction that causes the snoring.
Which Option is Best for You
Dr. Greenberg looks at each Sleep Apnea cases individually. Every patient is different, with different lifestyles, and different consequences as a result of their Sleep Apnea. A treatment that works beautifully for one patient may not be desirable or effective for another. And every patient deserves the personalized and unique care that is necessary to improve the quality of their sleep and lives.
There is no reason to keep suffering with difficulties in sleeping! Snoring can be difficult for entire families, and so can constant fatigue, which leads to other health issues.
If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, or think you may have a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis, make an appointment with Dr. Vickie Greenberg today! She offers free consultations to first time visitors. She is located in Pasadena, and serves patients from Altadena, and all over the San Gabriel Valley. So call today at (626) 798-7645, and start sleeping better tomorrow!
