Sleep apnea is a fairly common sleep disorder that affects roughly 22 million adult Americans, but it is estimated as much as 75% remain undiagnosed. This disorder results when numerous pauses in breathing occur frequently while sleeping due to an obstruction in the airway. While it can occur in anyone, it is commonly found in those who are overweight, have a large neck circumference, or cardiovascular disease. However, pregnant women also have an increased risk for developing the disorder. When this occurs, it is vital they seek sleep apnea treatment in Las Vegas. At iSleep Solutions, we provide the solutions you need to protect your health and quality of life.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing numerous times while sleeping with each pause potentially lasting longer than one minute. Although snoring and a decreased sleep quality are often believed to be the only complications of the disorder, the lack of adequate oxygen takes a significant toll on your overall health.
You can develop cardiovascular complications, sleep deprivation, and many other serious issues. However, for pregnant women, the complications can be more severe to also affect their developing fetus. Research indicates that if the condition is not treated, it can negatively impact the baby’s growth.
Why Does Pregnancy Increase Your Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can develop in anyone; however, pregnant women in their third trimester have an increased risk. As more weight is gained during the pregnancy, it can cause difficulty breathing while sleeping. This occurs because the nasal passages swell due to higher levels of estrogen causing increased mucous secretions in the nasal membranes. The higher level of blood flow in the body also causes the blood vessels to expand, further increasing the swelling. This can cause the air passages to narrow, resulting in the sleep disorder and excessive snoring.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Often, when pregnancy is the cause of the disorder, once you have given birth, the issues will subside. However, in the meantime, you will need an effective form of treatment. At iSleep Solutions, we offer oral appliance therapy, which involves the use of a custom-fit device that is similar to a mouthguard. Instead of protecting the teeth, it repositions the jaw forward to keep the airways open. This is effective for treating mild to moderate cases of the condition while also being safe and noninvasive for your developing baby.
In the event the oral appliance is ineffective, we also offer CPAP machines. This delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn over the mouth or nose to keep the airways open.
Where Can I Get Treatment for Sleep Apnea?
If you notice that you are snoring excessively, waking with headaches, or your sleep quality is decreasing, it is important to undergo a sleep study to ensure the disorder is not the cause. However, if sleep apnea is found, we provide the solutions you need to sleep soundly while protecting the health of you and your baby. Contact iSleep Solutions today to schedule a consultation.