Have your loud snores been waking your partner up at all hours of the night? Snoring is often associated with a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. But there’s more to this potentially dangerous disorder than obtrusive snoring. Read on to learn about common warning signs of sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
When you have obstructive sleep apnea, you temporarily stop breathing while you’re asleep—sometimes 50 to 60 times per hour. This happens because the airway is obstructed due to the relaxation of the throat muscles.
Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can manifest itself in a variety of different ways. We already touched on the loud snoring that may be giving your family members or housemates a headache. Your partner may also observe that you frequently stop breathing while asleep. Or, you may find yourself gasping for air in the middle of the night. Other common warning signs of sleep apnea include:
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Excessive fatigue
- Daytime drowsiness
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
Risk Factors
There are some factors that can put you at a higher risk for developing this sleep disorder. You are at higher risk if you:
- Are overweight
- Have large tonsils
- Smoke
- Have a narrow neck or airway
- Have a family history of sleep apnea
- Are an older male
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Liberty, MO
Are you experiencing any warning signs of sleep apnea? Don’t sleep on the opportunity to get treatment as soon as possible. The consequences of an untreated sleep disorder can be serious. Sleep apnea can contribute to life-threatening issues such as a heart attack or stroke. Let us help you get your obstructive sleep apnea under control with a special oral appliance that is custom-fitted for your comfort and safety.
Contact us to schedule an appointment at Seaport Family Dentistry, your Liberty dentist.