Do you often experience persistent daytime exhaustion that no amount of coffee seems to fix? Perhaps your nights are punctuated by loud snoring that disrupts your household. If this resonates with you, you might be wondering if there’s more to your sleep struggles than just a bad night. Many people brush aside these signs, but combined, they could be indicators of a treatable condition called sleep apnea.
While snoring is the main symptom of sleep apnea, not all people who snore actually have sleep apnea. As much as 50 percent of Americans snore, whether occasionally or chronically. However, only 20 percent of American adults have sleep apnea.
So how do you know the difference? Harmless snoring does not interfere with breathing patterns. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, causes breathing cessations and sometimes ‘gasping’ during sleep—if your loved ones have noticed you doing this in your sleep, we recommend visiting us for a screening.
Signs To Look Out For During The Day
You feel abnormally tired during the day, even after getting a full night’s sleep.
You struggle with fatigue and low energy.
You have difficulty concentrating, focusing, and remembering.
You are frequently irritable and have unwarranted mood swings.
You often have headaches in the morning when you walk up.
The Rewards of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Getting treatment for your sleep apnea is crucial for more than improving the quality of your sleep—it’s also necessary for maintaining your overall health! Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions if left untreated, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
Effective treatment can alleviate these risks, reduce snoring, improve your quality of sleep and, in turn, enhance your quality of life. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, or if you’re experiencing the symptoms we shared above, our team can help.
Screening with Our Sleep Apnea Dentist
Not many know it, but dentists can play an integral role in identifying potential cases of sleep apnea. This is because we’re the first healthcare professionals to recognize the common symptoms associated with this disorder.
During your routine dental check-ups, Dr. Woods or Dr. Michaiel can examine your mouth for signs of sleep apnea such as worn teeth (which may indicate teeth grinding — a common symptom of sleep apnea), an enlarged tongue, or a small jawbone, all of which could suggest possible airway obstruction during sleep. Additionally, he will inquire about additional symptoms you may be experiencing. If he suspects sleep apnea, we can refer you to a sleep medicine specialist for a comprehensive sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.
Ready for Uninterrupted Rest?
You deserve to enjoy a restful night of sleep without the worry of sleep apnea symptoms. Our team can effectively diagnose and treat your sleep apnea to restore your health. Whether you’re a Beaverlodge local or traveling from Grand Prairie, Dr. Woods, and Dr. Michaiel are ready to treat you. Contact our office to book your appointment today.
If you or your partner have been awakened by your chronic snoring and/or gasping for air, we recommend visiting our practice for an appointment. If we diagnose your symptoms as sleep apnea, we will be able to guide your treatment further.
Generally, sleep apnea is considered a chronic condition that doesn’t go away on its own. This is because the underlying factors that contribute to this often persist without treatment. While mild cases of constructive sleep apnea might see improvement with lifestyle changes, the condition is still unlikely to completely resolve.
There are many ways of treating the symptoms of sleep apnea, including conservative approaches, such as a new sleeping position or the use of an oral appliance. However, if your symptoms are severe or conservative treatments are not working, we may prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) to help open your airway. When you visit us for a diagnosis, we can share more information about your potential treatment options.
