Sleep Apnea Treatment in Montréal, QC

We all have problems sleeping from time to time. However, certain signs indicate you may have not just occasional insomnia but sleep apnea. You should see a doctor if you notice symptoms that are having a negative or even dangerous impact on your life. These symptoms could be:

• You regularly experience difficulty sleeping
• You are often tired during the day, even if you slept for at least seven hours the night before
• You have a reduced or impaired ability to perform regular daytime activities
• Your partner has told you that you snore loudly and sometimes seem to stop breathing
• You fall asleep when driving
• You struggle to stay awake when inactive, such as when watching TV or reading
• You have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school, or home
• You have performance problems at work or school
• Your memory seems to be off
• Your ability to respond seems slow
• You have difficulty controlling your emotions
• You feel the need to take a nap almost every day

Professional medical associations recommend a few strategies to help you if you suffer from sleep apnea. 

Keep in mind that you can begin treatment, whether CPAP or D-SAD (oral appliance therapy) and stop this intervention at any time if your situation improves with changes in your lifestyle. Some of the ways you can improve sleep apnea are:

• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: Sedatives of any kind, including some anti-anxiety medications, may cause deep physical relaxation so that the airway is more likely to close while sleeping.
• Lose weight: This strategy will only work if your obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obesity. In this instance, moderate weight loss may reduce the pressure of the neck tissue on your airway during sleep.
• Exercise: Some studies suggest that, besides aiding in weight loss, regular exercise can improve poor-quality sleep and help manage your sleep apnea.
• Sleep elevated or on your side: When you sleep on your back, your tongue is more likely to block the back of your throat. Sleeping on your side might help if obesity is not a contributing factor.
• Consider nasal treatments: Depending on the factors contributing to your sleep apnea, such as nasal congestion, you might benefit from using a nasal spray or decongestant medication. Only do this under the supervision of your physician. Some medications may have a sedative effect, adding to rather than decreasing apnea episodes.

A doctor may diagnose sleep apnea during a comprehensive consultation and discussion of symptoms. We can typically confirm the suspected diagnosis and type of sleep apnea through a sleep study. 

Doctors and dentists often prescribe home sleep studies to diagnose sleep apnea. These studies are less involved than those in a formal sleep lab and more comfortable since you sleep in your own bed. This familiarity can promote deeper sleep and more accurate results.

During a home sleep study, you apply comfortable monitors before bed and follow your usual routine. These monitors measure vitals like breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and the rise and fall of your chest. The focus is on your breathing parameters, which indicate sleep apnea.

It's important to understand how home sleep studies work and their limitations. For instance, if a sensor falls off during sleep, your results may be inaccurate. If your symptoms persist despite normal results, Dr. Slepchik may recommend further testing.

To clean and maintain your sleep apnea oral appliance, rinse it with lukewarm water after each use. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub the device, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can damage it. Soak the appliance in a denture cleaner once a week for a deeper clean. 

Store it in a dry, ventilated case when not in use to prevent bacterial growth and keep it in good condition. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, and schedule routine check-ups with your dentist to ensure it remains effective.

Yes, sleep apnea can have a hereditary component. If you have a family history of sleep apnea, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors can influence the size and shape of your airway, your propensity for obesity, and other traits that contribute to sleep apnea. However, lifestyle and environmental factors also play significant roles in its development.

If your sleep apnea symptoms return after treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Slepchik. It's essential to reassess your condition to determine the cause of the recurrence. Changes in weight, lifestyle, or the effectiveness of your treatment device may need to be addressed. Dr. Slepchik may adjust your current treatment, suggest a different oral appliance, or recommend additional tests to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Yes, allergies can worsen sleep apnea. Allergies cause nasal congestion and inflammation, which can obstruct airflow and exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. Managing your allergies through medications, avoiding allergens, and using air purifiers can help reduce their impact on your sleep apnea. If nasal congestion persists, consult Dr. Slepchik for additional treatment options to keep your airway clear and maintain effective sleep apnea management.

To improve sleep hygiene and help manage sleep apnea, maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Limit caffeine and screen time before bed and exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous activity close to bedtime. These habits can promote restful sleep and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

Yes, certain exercises can strengthen the muscles around your airway and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Try tongue slides (sliding your tongue back against the roof of your mouth), pronouncing vowel sounds loudly, blowing through closed lips, jaw exercises (opening, closing, and moving side to side), and chewing exercises. These can help tone the muscles involved in breathing and keep your airway open during sleep.