Do you feel like your sleep apnea has gotten worse with time? If so, that’s your body’s way of telling you to get treatment as soon as possible! Without it, sleep apnea will continue progressing and taking a larger toll on your health and energy levels. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to. Modern treatments such as oral appliance therapy are easier than ever while still being very effective. Keep reading below to learn more about sleep apnea in Allen Park, how symptoms get worse over time, and how you can prevent that from happening.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Sleep apnea is a common condition that affects an estimated 25% of the population, many of whom don’t know they have it. Here are some common risk factors, but keep in mind that you can still have sleep apnea, even if none of these apply:
- Family history
- A large neck, tongue, or tonsils
- Nasal blockages, polyps, or allergies
- Obesity
- Consuming foods and beverages too close to bedtime
- A deviated septum
- Age
- Gender (men are more likely to have it than women)
How Does Sleep Apnea Get Worse?
There are several ways in which sleep apnea can progress. As mentioned, simply failing to get treatment means symptoms like daytime fatigue and irritability will get worse. In addition, your sleep apnea will change as the risk factors mentioned above change. For example, weight gain or getting older will worsen the condition, as will increased allergies in the spring, which will make nighttime breathing more difficult and exacerbate your symptoms.
The Importance of Getting Treatment As Early As Possible
The earlier you can get treatment, the better. If you haven’t already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, that’s the first step. Contact a sleep doctor in Allen Park who will perform an exam and possibly arrange a sleep study. After you’ve been diagnosed, they’ll recommend one of the following options, depending on your needs:
- Oral appliance therapy – Many people effectively treat their mild to moderate sleep apnea with these custom-made devices. They work by gently shifting your jaw forward while you sleep to open your airway and allow for better breathing. They’re also lightweight, portable, and easy to tolerate.
- CPAP machine – A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine was the only treatment available for many years and may still be recommended for severe cases of sleep apnea.
- Combination therapy – Some patients get better relief from wearing an oral appliance while using their CPAP. This makes CPAP therapy more tolerable and helps people comply with their treatment.
By seeing a sleep doctor early on, you’ll prevent sleep apnea from getting worse and will get the high-quality sleep you need for better health and a great quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Frank Stankiewicz is a sleep doctor in Allen Park with over 25 years of experience. With a commitment to ongoing education, he always stays on top of the latest sleep apnea research and treatment methods to help his patients get effective relief from their symptoms. If you have any questions or think your sleep apnea is getting worse, he can be reached via his website.
