More than 22 Americans suffer from sleep apnea, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. If you feel fatigued throughout the day or have trouble sleeping, you may have this serious medical condition. Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz brings decades of professional experience in treating sleep apnea in and around Sacramento, CA.
If you are interested in learning more about this condition, this overview is just for you. When you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mickiewicz, simply contact our office online or call (916) 469-9178.
Through the Numbers: A Look at Sleep Apnea
The following information was published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that disrupts or stops breathing at night. Snoring is one common symptom of this condition. The resulting lack of oxygen can cause an individual to wake up numerous times throughout the night. Potential health risks that can result from sleep apnea include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Pre-diabetes and diabetes
- Depression
Body mass index is a leading risk factor for sleep apnea. A patient’s risk for developing sleep apnea is increased if that individual has a BMI of 25 or more.
The following information was provided by the California-based medical equipment company ResMed.
- 1 in 5 adults have mild obstructive sleep apnea
- 1 in 15 adults have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
- 75 percent of severe sleep-disordered breathing cases are undiagnosed
- 83 percent of individuals with sleep apnea have hypertension (high blood pressure)
- 77 percent of individuals with sleep apnea are overweight or obese
- 65 percent of stroke patients have sleep-disordered breathing
- People with moderate to severe sleep apnea have an up to 15-fold increased chance of being involved in a traffic accident
- Individuals with sleep apnea have twice the risk of being in a car accident
- If all U.S. drivers suffering from sleep apnea were treated, the total cost savings would top $11 billion
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
During your examination, Dr. Mickiewicz will see or ask if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Loud snoring at night
- Headaches
- Extreme drowsiness during the day
- Snorting or choking during the night
- Chronic insomnia
- Difficulty sleeping
Dr. Mickiewicz recommends a custom-fitted oral appliance called a mandibular advancement device or MAD to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The oral appliance therapy is effective in decreasing or relieving OSA symptoms. The device maintains the jaw in a forward position to open airways during sleep. MADs are comfortable to wear, convenient to use in all settings, easy to transport, and easy to care for.
Treat Your OSA Symptoms Today
Sleep apnea symptoms are more than a quality of life issue. The condition is a risk factor for more serious health problems, such as heart disease, depression, and stroke. If you feel chronically fatigued, you may share this condition with 70 million Americans. Sleep apnea is highly treatable. The vast majority of our patients do not realize that they have this condition until they are diagnosed or told that they have the symptoms of sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mickiewicz, contact our Sacramento, CA office online or call (916) 469-9178.
