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Sleep Apnea
in Chicago, IL

The Details Behind Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

While we sleep, all of our muscles relax, including those controlling our airways. For some people, this relaxation of the muscles, as well as skeletal pre-disposition, can cause their airways to collapse and restrict airflow by 80% or more. This condition is known as Sleep Apnea. In some individuals, these interruptions to breathing can occur as frequently as 30 or more times within an hour, sometimes lasting ten seconds or longer.

When your breathing is obstructed, your tissues are not able to receive adequate oxygen. Your brain tells your body to breathe, which can cause you to wake up gasping for air. As this cycle repeats throughout the night, you may often wake feeling as though you have had little or no sleep. Estimates place the population of adults with sleep apnea at 17 – 20%. Unfortunately, less than 10% of those with sleep apnea have been diagnosed. More than 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of those with sleep apnea also have high blood pressure. Additionally, sleep apnea may increase your risk of having a stroke, heart attack, anxiety, and depression.

Receive the Treatment You Need

Your Sleep Apnea Consultation

Sleep Apnea in Chicago, IL  Chicago

Dr. Isabella is experienced in evaluating and treating sleep apnea conditions. If you regularly experience symptoms of sleep apnea, please contact our office.

We can conduct a comprehensive examination and provide solutions to help you sleep through the night. A thorough screening includes an at-home sleep test, a CT scan, and an assessment of the mouth, head, and neck. Don’t spend another restless night struggling with sleep apnea. Relief is available. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

A Comfortable Alternative to Lab Tests

At-Home Sleep Test

Most lab-based sleep tests are uncomfortable, invasive, and expensive. At our practice in Chicago Sleep Apnea diagnosis is made more accessible. We can provide you with a Home Sleep Test from the comfort of your home. We use the Alice Night One Sleep Test by Phillips, whose setup will effortlessly guide you through the placement of 4 sensors that will then record your sleep. These four sensors are:

  • Positional tracker will detect your body position through the night.
  • An effort belt wrapping around your chest. This belt tracks how your lungs are working.
  • A nasal cannula is placed under your nose. This thin tube tracks any snoring and measures how much air you’re taking in.

A pulse oximeter is attached to your finger during the test, crucial for diagnosing Sleep Apnea. This reads your pulse, blood flow, and blood oxygen levels. The device will also confirm at the end of the night if you’ve gathered enough good data for our Sleep Physicians to analyze. Once you’ve completed and returned the study, Dr. Isabella Terrassa will review the results prior to your consultation at which she will then discuss findings and treatment options.

A Safe, Restful Sleep

Your Sleep Apnea Treatment

In dealing with sleep apnea Chicago patients frequently have understandable concerns. Various factors can contribute to its development, including genetics, poor posture, allergies, and enlarged tonsils.

The type that most people experience is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the airways in the throat and mouth narrow or collapse during sleep. But don't worry, there are ways to manage this condition and improve your sleep quality.

MADs vs. CPAP

What are the benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatments?

Sleep apnea mouth guards, known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), offer several benefits for individuals with sleep apnea. MADs are specially designed oral appliances that effectively address sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea and snoring. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), MADs have proven to be as effective as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in mild to moderate cases.

MADs are smaller, less invasive, and easier to use, making them more convenient and patient-friendly. Another advantage of MADs is their lower cost compared to CPAP machines. Ultimately, it is important for doctors to discuss treatment options with their patients, considering the individual's specific needs and weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Recognizing the importance of convenience and comfort in sleep apnea treatment, researchers have found that many patients are more willing to use MADs compared to CPAP machines. Dentists, in addition to doctors, can play a significant role in treating sleep apnea by providing and monitoring the use of mouth guards. As research continues to emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that an oral device can effectively treat this serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Sleep Apnea in Chicago, IL  Chicago

Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions

Sleep apnea may be caused by genetics, poor posture, allergies, enlarged tonsils, and other issues. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. This is caused by the collapse of airways in the throat and mouth during sleep.

There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea.

  • Stop smoking – Smoking makes you 3 times more likely to develop sleep apnea.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight – Overweight individuals have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.
  • Reduce Use of Depressants – Limit your use of sedatives, tranquilizers, and alcohol. These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can lead to obstructive sleep apnea.

Start your journey with Strobel Dentistry in Chicago

Parking Validation

If driving, we validate for a discounted parking rate at the following location: Interpark: 20 E. Randolph is located at the intersection of Wabash and Randolph.

We are proud to offer exceptionally experienced, compassionate, and comprehensive Chicago dental care to our patients. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward your best experience and results.