Has your partner been up all night listening to your loud snoring? Have you been waking up with a sore throat in the morning? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder that can leave you at risk for some scary, life-altering complications. Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Patients with sleep apnea experience interrupted sleep, usually for one of two reasons. Obstructive sleep apnea is most common and is caused by physical blockage of the airway due to the relaxation of the throat muscles. Less common, central sleep apnea involves a lack of communication between the brain and the throat muscles. Both types of sleep apnea result in the body receiving an insufficient amount of oxygen. If left untreated, they can bring about some serious issues.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you have been experiencing one or more of the following, you may have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Interrupted sleep, especially when waking up gasping for breath or experiencing a choking sensation
- Dry, sore throat
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Short attention span and irritability
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a doctor, there are a variety of options for treatment. Treatments involve a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, or surgery. If you’ve tried other treatment options and are unhappy with them or still not getting the sleep you need, you may be a great candidate for oral appliance therapy that can be provided by a dentist.
Addressing Sleep Apnea at South Texas Smiles
If you have diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, let us know. It’s not something you want to ignore. Sleep apnea can leave you at risk for complications such as high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, and much more. We provide custom oral appliance therapy to reposition your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep. Contact us to set up a consultation to see if oral appliance therapy is right for you!
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