The sun is shining, but you feel as though you should be sleeping. Understanding that this is neither normal nor healthy, you wonder what’s the reason for you feeling this way. Your local dentist says you may be suffering from sleep apnea in Montrose, and as you read on, he’ll explain what this condition is, its symptoms and how it can be treated, so you can get a full night’s rest.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The word apnea means ‘no breath.’ Thus, if you have sleep apnea, it translates into you having a problem with your breathing while you slumber.
The reason you feel tired all the time, though, is because your body has a built-in safety mechanism that alerts you to wake up whenever your breathing is inhibited. Thus, when you have bouts of apnea, you suffer loss of sleep because your brain quickly stirs you. This cycle goes on repeatedly throughout the night for people who suffer from this condition. If not treated, this disease can lead to a host of other problems like hypertension and heart disease.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
One of the keys to getting the help you need is to be able to identify the symptoms of sleep apnea, which include:
- Snoring – It’s common among people who suffer from sleep apnea to be loud snorers due to their airways being blocked.
- Morning Headaches – Because sleep apnea inhibits your oxygen flow throughout the night, you may experience morning headaches.
- Depression or Irritability – Your state of mind throughout the day is highly dependent on the quality of sleep you get. Given that sleep apnea involves you partially awakening throughout the night, you may experience bouts of depression.
If you notice any of these warning signs, then you should immediately reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment.
How Can Sleep Apnea be Treated?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types of apnea and involves your airway closing while you sleep. To remedy this problem, your dentist offers custom-made oral appliances that push your jaw forward and keep your airway open, allowing you to enjoy a truly restful night.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, the only way to know for sure is to contact your dentist in Montrose so that you can participate in a sleep study. This will eliminate any guess work and allow your dentist to develop the proper treatment plan for you.
To get the help you need, reach out to your dentist today.
About the Author
For over three decades, Dr. Donald F. Tamborello has been delivering expert care to his patients. Still, this graduate of the University of Texas remains driven to learn more and stay abreast of the latest changes in the field of dentistry, which led him to become a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Tamborello helps patients get a full night’s rest at Tamborello & Bowen and can be reached for more information through his website.