Sleep Apnea Treatment – Rockville, MD
Breathe Freely at Night
As many as 25 million Americans may be suffering from sleep apnea right now. You could be part of this group and not even realize it! As such, if you have any reason to suspect that you’re not sleeping as soundly as you should, we encourage you to call Rockville Family Dentistry to set up a consultation with Dr. Modarres. We can determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder before helping you find an effective option for sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, MD.
Why Choose Rockville Family Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Focus on Dental Patient Satisfaction
- Friendly, Welcoming Team
- In-Office and At-Home Sleep Testing
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing is regularly interrupted while you’re asleep. Each interruption lasts for around 10 seconds, and in severe cases, as many as 100 interruptions can occur in an hour. Each time, your body is forced to wake you up, which disrupts the sleep cycle and stops you from getting the rest you need. Over the long term, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and other conditions.
How We Treat Sleep Apnea
First, an in-house or at-home sleep test will be performed to evaluate your symptoms and determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. Then we can discuss your treatment options. You’re probably familiar with the idea of a CPAP machine being used for cases of sleep apnea, but if you’re unable to tolerate the noise of the machine, we can provide you with an oral appliance instead. Our oral appliances gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway clear throughout the night.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea isn’t just loud snoring. It’s a serious medical condition that can affect your whole body in many ways. When you stop breathing repeatedly at night, your brain and organs don’t get the oxygen they need. Over time, this strain on your system can show up as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even depression.
If that wasn’t enough, poor sleep quality can also leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unable to concentrate during the day. This can negatively affect your work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Many people also experience morning headaches, dry mouth, or frequent awakenings at night without realizing these symptoms are connected to a sleep disorder. This is why Dr. Modarres always recommends taking a test when you experience these types of symptoms.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
No. While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the condition. Snoring can happen for many reasons because it’s a simple mechanism caused by air moving through relaxed tissues in your throat.
With sleep apnea, your airway actually becomes blocked or collapses, causing repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, and not just vibration.
If your snoring is very loud, happens frequently, or is accompanied by gasping, morning headaches, or daytime fatigue, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. If you’re unsure, Dr. Modarres can evaluate your symptoms and give you a sleep test to determine if treatment is necessary.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
Many patients notice a difference surprisingly quickly. With effective sleep apnea treatment, whether it’s CPAP therapy or a custom oral appliance, some people feel more rested and alert after just a few nights.
For others, improvements in energy, mood, and concentration may build gradually over several weeks. Long-term health benefits, like better blood pressure control or reduced strain on your heart, can take more time.
The key is consistent use of your prescribed device every night. Dr. Modarres and our Rockville team will watch your progress and make adjustments as needed to help you get the best results possible.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
There are no true at-home “cures” for sleep apnea, and nothing is a substitute for professional treatment. However, you can supplement your treatment and improve sleep quality in many ways, such as:
- Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene: Keeping your bedroom dark and cool, avoiding screens and blue light before bed, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule can help regulate sleep hormones.
- Using a Humidifier and Essential Oils: Some patients also benefit from using a humidifier or calming essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, to make breathing more comfortable.
- Adjust Your Sleep Position: Side-sleeping instead of lying on your back can help keep your airway open.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess mass around your throat can contribute to a collapsing airway. Losing weight can often reduce symptoms.