What is Sleep Apnea? – Las Vegas, NV
Helping Las Vegas & Summerlin Stop Snoring & Sleep Better
Snoring is a common habit, and it’s one that’s assumed by most people to be relatively harmless. While this is true in some cases, it may actually point to a much more severe and potentially dangerous condition – sleep apnea. While multiple types of sleep apnea exist, the most common is obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by constant pauses in breathing while someone is asleep. Anyone can develop sleep apnea, and serious consequences can follow if it is left untreated. That’s why Dr. Pam West and her team here at iSleepSolutions want to help people as soon as possible here in the Las Vegas, Nevada area.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
It’s important for people to be able to breathe regularly and consistently while sleeping. When the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, they can minimize or even completely close your airway, causing obstructive sleep apnea. As a result, your oxygen levels can be lowered to such a dangerous degree that your brain sends out an emergency signal, urging you to wake up and readjust your airway to allow proper flow once more. This awakening is usually so brief that you may not even be aware of it; in fact, you may think you had a full, satisfying night of sleep! Sadly, these pauses can occur up to hundreds of times each night, disturbing your most restful phases.
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Common Symptoms for Sleep Apnea
- Excessive daytime exhaustion, no matter how many hours you slept the night before
- Dry mouth and/or sore throat in the mornings
- Headaches in the morning
- Chest pain in the morning
- Issues with memory and/or concentration
- Pauses in breathing, sudden choking, or gasping when sleeping
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Common Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
- Being overweight
- Having a large neck
- The presence of high blood pressure
- Having a naturally small throat/airway
- Experiencing consistent chronic nasal congestion at night
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Routine smoking and/or alcohol use
- Being male
- Being over the age of 50
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Consequences of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a significant medical condition, and one that can lead to complications involving the patient’s overall wellbeing. These include:
- Cardiovascular concerns – Significant drops in your oxygen levels can increase your blood pressure and have dire effects on your heart. In fact, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes are all more common for those with sleep apnea.
- Higher risk of car accidents – The lack of restful sleep caused by sleep apnea can lead to serious problems with concentration and fatigue, even causing patients to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Problems involving medication and surgery – Certain medications may worsen obstructive sleep apnea, and complications following surgery can be more common.
- Diabetes – There is scientific evidence that a lack of sleep could cause patients to achieve a pre-diabetic state. These conditions also connect the other way, as the presence of diabetes can contribute to sleep loss.
- Erectile dysfunction – Studies have shown that the presence of sleep apnea may increase the likelihood of male patients experiencing erectile dysfunction.
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Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
While sleep apnea is a very treatable condition, many patients are understandably focused on how it will affect their wallet. There is no fixed price for sleep apnea care because many factors go into the final cost, and at iSleepSolutions, we’re happy to lay all of this out so you have a better understanding and realistic expectation of what you’ll be expected to pay.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
In short, only medical insurance can be used to cover sleep apnea treatment, NOT dental insurance. This is true even if you receive an oral appliance from a sleep dentist like Dr. West and Dr. Gorczyca. The reason for this is because sleep apnea is considered a medical problem rather than a dental issue. So, even if your treatment is coordinated and ultimately provided by a dentist, only medical insurance can be used to help pay for it.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
- Sleep Test: Before you can start sleep apnea treatment, you need to complete a sleep test and receive an official diagnosis. If you haven’t done this already, this will add to the overall cost.
- Type of Treatment: While CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy are common methods, there are a variety of devices available from several manufacturers, with the cost being different for each.
- Insurance Coverage: While most medical insurance plans will help pay for the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep apnea, the amount will be different from policy to policy.
- Deductible: Like with any insurance plan, you will need to meet your deductible before you have access to your benefits.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
When it comes to your long-term healthcare costs, one of the best things you can do to reduce them over time is treat your sleep apnea. This will drastically lower your risk for associated issues like hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and accidents that can lead to a lot of harm and high medical bills. In addition to preserving your financial health, you’ll also simply feel better day to day because your mind and body are getting the rest they need.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
On top of accepting many health insurance plans and being a certified Medicare Provider, iSleepSolutions also offers low-to-no-interest financing through CareCredit and LendingClub. With them, you can pay for your treatment over time using small monthly installments without worrying about any hidden fees or surprise charges. You can look over the plans they offer and even sign up for one right through our website—just scroll to the bottom of this page to get started.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
On the surface, it might seem counterintuitive to visit a dentist for sleep apnea treatment. The truth is, though, that dentists have a vast supply of knowledge that goes beyond the teeth and gums. Because your mouth is a key part of your airway, they understand how its structures can affect your breathing.
Plus, many sleep dentists, including the ones in our practice, have undergone advanced training in order to be able to offer top-quality sleep apnea therapy. For example, Dr. West is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and other prestigious organizations that relate to sleep dentistry.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
No, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores.
Snoring is simply the sound that occurs when air moves past loose tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate. If those tissues are too loose or over-relaxed, they might actually block the airway, causing the pauses in breathing that are characteristic of sleep apnea. Therefore, although snoring and sleep apnea often occur in the same people, they are two separate issues.
Snoring may be an indication of sleep apnea if it is both loud and frequent.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
Sleep apnea is not self-diagnosable. Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to sleep apnea, so it is important that you visit a professional to receive an official diagnosis. If you believe you have sleep apnea, talk to our team. We can refer you to a sleep center for testing.
In the meantime, it can be beneficial for you to keep track of your symptoms in a sleep diary so we can make an educated guess as to whether sleep apnea is responsible for your struggles.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
In some cases, sleep apnea occurs because extra fatty tissue around the neck places pressure on the airway, causing pauses in breathing. Therefore, it is possible that if you lose weight, your symptoms will be reduced or possibly even go away completely.
However, keep in mind that weight loss is not a guaranteed solution for sleep apnea. It can be caused by a range of factors, some of which have nothing to do with weight. Even if you are on a weight loss journey, you should still work with a professional to monitor your sleep apnea and keep it under control.
How Can I Travel with Sleep Apnea?
The traditional treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine, which can be challenging to travel with. Fortunately, other therapies are simpler to take with you when you leave home. For example, a custom oral appliance is easy to slip into your carry-on bag.
In addition to bringing your treatment with you, you can take other steps to get enough rest while you are traveling. For example, you should try to stick to a good sleep routine and avoid overindulging in alcohol.
Contact Us to Learn More
Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Contact our Las Vegas, NV practice today for the support and skilled assistance you need. Dr. West can provide either oral appliance therapy or combined therapy to effectively combat sleep apnea depending on your unique needs and preferences.