Welcome to Our Practice
Welcome to Sleep & Headache Solutions
Snoring is a very common problem that affects millions of us. Not that long ago snoring was thought to be harmless although definitely annoying and frustrating to bed partners.
Did you know that snoring can actually be a sign of a very serious and dangerous condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Snoring occurs when the muscles of your throat relax, your tongue falls backward, and your throat narrows. As you breathe, the walls of the throat begin to vibrate leading to the sound of snoring. The narrower your airway becomes, the more vibration and the louder you snore. Sometimes the walls of the throat completely collapse creating a condition called apnea (cessation of breathing). This is a very serious condition which requires medical attention.
Other Potential Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Irritability
• Difficulty focusing
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Morning headaches
• Episodes of breathing cessation witnessed by another person
• Waking up gasping or choking
If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are currently on CPAP therapy you may be a candidate for the dental appliance.
Some patients who are diagnosed with snoring, mild or moderate sleep apnea may be able to be treated with dental appliance therapy. For those who are severe sleep apnea or hypopnic patient’s, combination therapy (using both CPAP and a dental device) may be an option to decrease the air pressure on the CPAP machine and make it easier to wear and sleep.
At Sleep & Headache Solutions we are passionate about our patients and their overall health and well-being. We work closely with our patients’ primary care providers to achieve the best possible health outcomes for our mutual patients. We see patients throughout the High Country and surrounding areas (West Jefferson, Jefferson, Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Wilkesboro, Lenoir, Hickory, and more!).
If you or a loved one snore loudly at night (or have other potential symptoms of sleep apnea), please have a sleep study done to rule out this potentially fatal condition. Please contact us to help guide you.
