Sleep Apnea Treatment – Oklahoma City, OK
Breathe Easier, Sleep Better
At Jeffrey F. Hermen, DDS, we know how important a full night of restful sleep is for your health and quality of life. If snoring, fatigue, or interrupted breathing are keeping you or your loved ones awake, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Fortunately, an answer is available. With customized solutions designed to improve your breathing and restfulness, we help patients using dedicated sleep apnea treatment in Oklahoma City reclaim their energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Why Choose Jeffrey F. Hermen, DDS For Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- High-Quality Oral Appliances
- Experienced, Friendly Sleep Dentist
- Flexible Financing Available
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. One of the most noticeable symptoms is loud, chronic snoring, but other warning signs could include:
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue or brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood swings
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat collapse and block your airway during sleep. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and wondering if OSA could be the culprit, schedule a consultation with us. Dr. Hermen can help guide you to the answer.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea can take a serious toll on both your health and daily routine. Interrupted sleep doesn’t just make you tired, it can also raise your risk for life-threatening conditions and situations. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Vehicular accidents
- Depression and anxiety
Beyond these concerns, sleep apnea also affects how you function every day. Patients often tell us they experience constant fatigue, reduced focus at work, and strained relationships . Getting sleep apnea and snoring treatment will restore your sleep quality, your concentration, and your enjoyment of everyday activities.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
At Jeffrey F. Hermen, DDS, we’ll begin delving into your sleep issues with a symptom screening. While we cannot diagnose your sleep apnea, we can discuss your symptoms and coordinate with a local sleep specialist to set you up for success. Once you’ve taken a sleep test and have a formal diagnosis, your treatment can begin.
Instead of relying solely on a CPAP machine, which many patients find uncomfortable, we offer custom oral appliances.
These devices:
- Keep your airway open by gently repositioning your jaw
- Are small, portable, and easy to travel with
- Allow for quiet, comfortable sleep without bulky equipment
This non-invasive and personalized approach makes it easier to stick with treatment, helping you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and enjoy healthier days ahead.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. About twenty million people in America have sleep apnea, meaning it affects about 20% of the adult population, and the only way to know for sure if you have this condition is to have it diagnosed by a qualified sleep doctor. Once we understand the nature of the problem, Dr. Jeffrey Hermen will be happy to design a customized treatment plan to address your needs.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
Symptoms of sleep apnea do not automatically mean you have the condition, and only a qualified sleep doctor can deliver an authoritative diagnosis. While smart devices may detect symptoms of sleep apnea, they cannot determine if you actually have the condition or not. After you receive your diagnosis from a sleep doctor, Dr. Hermen will be able to find a treatment suitable to address the problem.
Can My Dentist Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
Dentists cannot diagnose sleep apnea. Only a qualified sleep doctor can perform a proper screening and deliver an authoritative diagnosis for the condition. If you are found to have sleep apnea, Dr. Hermen will be able to address it with an appropriate treatment such as a noninvasive oral appliance that offers maximum comfort.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away if I Lose Weight?
Being overweight is a major risk factor for sleep apnea, and excessive tissue in the neck can worsen its symptoms by pressing heavily on the windpipe during rest. Losing weight can reduce these symptoms by limiting the pressure the tissues in the neck can place on the airway, and some patients may find that the condition goes away completely after they adopt smart eating and exercise habits. However, some patients will still have sleep apnea even if they lose excess weight, so it might be an excellent idea to receive a sleep test to determine if you still have the condition after slimming down.
Are There Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
Some patients find they can significantly reduce their sleep apnea symptoms by employing one or more home remedies. A few suggestions include:
- Regular exercise: Working out regularly will teach your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently, which can reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
- Smart eating decisions: Eating a healthy diet can set a patient up for smooth digestion and reduce excess body weight, which can help them rest more easily.
- Sleeping with the head in an elevated position: Using pillows or cushions to prop up the head or sleeping in a recliner can reduce how much pressure the tissues in the neck place on the windpipe.
- Reducing screentime: Bright lights, like those emitted from television or smartphone screens, will trick your brain into feeling more awake. It’s best to avoid these for a few hours before bed.
- Essential oils: Many people report that the scent of lavender oil helps them sleep more restfully.
- Quitting smoking: Kicking a tobacco habit may help you breathe more easily during sleep.
However, many cases of sleep apnea will require oral appliance therapy from a qualified dentist even if home remedies successfully help the patient rest more easily.