How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
October 31, 2021Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to your health, but sleep apnea can disrupt it. What is sleep apnea? It’s a sleep disorder where your breathing frequently stops as you sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much and block your airway. Even if you don’t realize it’s happening, it negatively affects your sleep quality.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
How do you know if you have sleep apnea? There are several warning signs that can point to a possible sleep apnea diagnosis. Consult with our team and your primary care provider if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Always feeling tired, even if you’ve gone to bed early
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Having trouble focusing
- Feeling irritable or “foggy”
- Waking up with a headache or experiencing frequent headaches
- Waking up gasping for air
- Snoring loudly
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Certain factors are associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea, such as:
- Being male
- Being older
- A family history of sleep apnea
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Having certain medical conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
- Large tonsils
How Serious Is Sleep Apnea?
It is debilitating to feel tired all the time. Plus, sleep apnea can bring on serious complications. If untreated, it can increase your risk of heart problems, liver problems, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Knowing if you have sleep apnea is essential to protecting your health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Joplin
There are a few ways to treat sleep apnea. At ADC Dental Group, we create comfortable oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea that are small and easy to transport. Unlike CPAP machines, they don’t need distilled water or electricity. Each appliance is custom-made and keeps your airway open as you sleep.
If you’re experiencing sleep apnea symptoms or are wondering about your risk for this condition, please contact ADC Dental Group for a consultation! We offer comprehensive dentistry and accept patients of all ages.
Categorised in: Oral Appliance Therapy