NightLase – Port Charlotte, FL

The Importance of Breathing

Roughly 67% of people snore, and it’s estimated that 80% of snorers suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep breathing disorders. Having sleep apnea means that your breathing is repeatedly stopping and restarting while you’re asleep.

Many people with sleep apnea tend to breathe through their mouths, which can be problematic for a number of reasons. Breathing through your nose helps produce nitric oxide, which helps ensure that your cells get the oxygen they need; this is important for your cardiac health, and it helps you perform better when exercising.

But if you breathe through your mouth, your body doesn’t get as much nitric oxide. This can cause you to feel stressed, and it could increase your risk for heart problems. Additionally, mouth breathing can make allergies worse, and it is associated with weight gain, anxiety, and depression.

Diseases Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If obstructive sleep apnea isn’t properly treated, it could lead to various health issues, such as:

• Increased blood pressure
• eart attacks and strokes
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• Excessive tiredness during the day
• Acid reflux
• Increased weight
• An increased risk of diabetes

In the worst-case scenario, obstructive sleep apnea could end up shaving years off of your life.

How Does NightLase Work?

The NightLase treatment utilizes a special laser that helps tighten up the muscle tone of the floor of your mouth. The tightening effect is thanks to the collagen matrix of the soft tissues, which the laser can help form and organize. The result of the treatment is a larger airway, which makes breathing easier and helps reduce snoring. Using NightLase to treat sleep apnea could potentially add years to your life!

What Happens During and After the Treatment?

You don’t have to worry about any serious discomfort during the procedure. At most, your throat may feel warm, and there might be a tingling sensation. Once the procedure is complete, you can return to your regular activities; there will be no need to spend time resting at home. A few individuals may experience sore throats, but in most cases, there aren’t any notable side effects.

What Results Can I Expect from NightLase?

If you have sleep apnea, NightLase can help you get a better night’s rest. That being said, it does not make the disorder completely go away; as such, it’s generally best used in conjunction with other treatments. You can usually enjoy the effects of a NightLase procedure for several months (or even over a year in certain cases). If the benefits seem to be wearing off, you can schedule a follow-up treatment.

Remember, sleep apnea is a disorder that you need to keep a close eye on. Try to be aware of the quality of the sleep that you’re getting every night, and please reach out to us if you have any concerns.

Benefits of NightLase

Using NightLase to treat sleep apnea can yield the following benefits:

• Higher quality REM sleep
• An improved ability to concentrate
• Feeling less stressed during the day
• An overall improvement in your mood
• A better immune system
• Higher growth hormone levels
• Living longer

Who is a Candidate for NightLase?

We may recommend NightLase if:

• You are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a blockage of your airway. (In contrast, central sleep apnea is due to the brain failing to send the signals needed to control your breathing.)
• Your sleep apnea is particularly severe, which can limit your options for treatment.
• Your sleep apnea is specifically caused by tissues in your throat (as opposed to your tongue).
• Naturally, we’ll only move forward with NightLase once we’ve confirmed that you’re a candidate for it. Hence, the first step of the NightLase process is to complete a thorough examination of your mouth.