Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that, if left untreated, can damage a patient’s smile and overall health. Our Orland Park sleep apnea dentists encourage all of our patients to seek prompt treatment for sleep apnea issues, as timely treatment can minimize your risk of dealing with long-term sleep-apnea-related health complications.
In today’s article, we’re reviewing some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. We hope that this information empowers you to take control of your health, and seek prompt treatment if ever sleep apnea affects you. Let’s get started!
To quickly review, sleep apnea is a condition that is characterized by disruptions in a patient’s breathing process when the patient is asleep. This occurs because relaxed oral tissues fall into the patient’s airway, thus preventing them from inhaling enough oxygen. Once the patient’s blood oxygen levels dip low enough, their bodies wake briefly in order to “restart” the breathing process.
As you would imagine, one of the most common signs of sleep apnea is fatigue. You may find that you feel tired no matter how many hours of sleep you’re getting, and that you have memory and concentration problems during the day.
Additionally, it is very common for sleep apnea sufferers to exhibit loud and disruptive snoring. In fact, many sleep apnea patients actually find out they have sleep apnea because their sleeping partners force them to see a doctor due to snoring! Your sleeping partner may also report that there are noticeable periods during the night in which your breathing ceases all together.
If you often wake in the morning with a headache or with dry mouth, this can also indicate sleep apnea. Your headaches may last into the day, or they may go away only to occur again at night before bed.
The good news is that our Orland Park sleep apnea dentists treat this condition with patient-friendly, comfortable oral appliances. Patients wear these oral appliances at night, and they help to keep the patient’s in a healthy position, so that the patient’s airway stays open.
If you think that you’re dealing with sleep apnea, our Tinley Park sleep apnea dentists are here to help you. Just give us a call to learn more or to schedule a personal consultation!