Sleep Apnea

Snoring is more than just an annoyance – it can signal a more complex sleep disorder. We work with you to diagnose and treat sleep apnea so you can sleep and feel better.

A better night’s sleep starts here!

                                     ______

         Dr. Aronowitz is a graduate of the University 

    of  Washington Oral Medicine MS program and a
    member of the Sleep Medicine and Orofacial Pain

   Club at UCLA School of Dentistry. He is excited to

    help patients with sleep disorders as it is often

                     life-transforming for patients.

                                     ______

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don't remember it, and many feel like they are getting a good night's sleep, when in fact, they are not. The constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle prevents those with sleep apnea from achieving deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?
The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice.

     Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
     Loud snoring at night
     Waking up at night short of breath
     Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
     Headaches upon waking in the morning
     Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
     Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery.

How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each individual case, and the type of apnea. Often oral appliances can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage.

What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?Contact our practice to schedule an examination and evaluation. Dr. Aronowitz can diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment options.