When you wake up in the morning, do you find yourself just as tired as you were before you went to sleep? Do you wake up gasping for air? You may suffer from a sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea, central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to your muscles that control your breathing while you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is when the soft tissues relax in the back of the throat and obstruct your airway. Both types of sleep apnea cause your breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the sleep cycle.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
While proper diagnosis needs to be done through a certified healthcare professional, here are some common symptoms you should look out for. Some of the symptoms occur while you sleep, so we recommend having a loved one keep an eye out for these symptoms as well:
- Daytime Drowsiness
- Dry Mouth or Sore Throat After Waking Up
- Forgetfulness
- Loud & Frequent Snoring
- Morning Headaches
- Shortness of Breath
- Sudden Mood Changes
If you are currently experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend contacting a healthcare professional to schedule a sleep study. Sleep studies can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea and, if so, which type. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have negative effects on your overall health and well-being, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, and more.
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Springs Village Dentistry
For those who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, our experienced team at Springs Village Dentistry can help you get the sleep you deserve! We offer sleep apnea therapy, with our custom oral appliances. They are specifically designed to reposition your jaw and keep your airway open while you sleep. To learn more, please contact our office to schedule your sleep consultation!