Get the Sleep Apnea Info You Need From Our O’Fallon Sleep Apnea Team
Sleep apnea can be really tough to deal with. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you likely won’t feel your best during the day, because you aren’t getting the restorative sleep that you need at night. Additionally, sleep apnea, when left untreated, can actually lead to very serious health issues.
If you think that you might be suffering from sleep apnea, take a look at this overview of what sleep apnea is, and how it manifests.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient’s airway becomes blocked as he or she sleeps. Relaxed oral tissues block the patient’s airway. These tissues prevent the person from getting adequate oxygen, and the patient’s blood oxygen levels drop. At this point, the patient’s body naturally wakes up, so that the body can restart the breathing process.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
· Loud snoring at night
· Chronic headaches, especially in the morning and at night
· Fatigue
· Memory/concentration problems
· Dry mouth upon waking
· Waking throughout the night
· A choking or breathless sensation during the night
Sometimes, patients don’t realize that they have sleep apnea, until their sleeping partners tell them about symptoms they have noticed—most often loud snoring, gasping at night, and pauses in breathing during sleep.
What can I do about sleep apnea?
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider about sleep apnea treatment. Our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists treat sleep apnea with customized, easy-to-wear oral appliances. These mouthpieces help to keep the patient’s oxygen pathways open, so that he or she can breathe easily at night.
Many people are amazed at how much better than feel after beginning sleep apnea treatment. So, if you think that sleep apnea might be holding you back, don’t hesitate to call our dental team for help.