Sleep apnea is a disruptive and uncomfortable disorder that may be preventing you or someone you love from getting a healthy, restful night’s sleep. Unfortunately, many people can’t readily identify the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, so they suffer needlessly from this disorder without seeking treatment. Our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists want to educate our patients about how sleep apnea manifests itself and who it commonly affects, so that you can take control of your health!
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is an under diagnosed condition that afflicts patients of all ages. Obstructive sleep apnea causes sleep disruptions because oral tissues obstruct the airway and prevent patients from breathing freely during sleep. Patients may exhibit loud snoring or even gasping and choking episodes while asleep, because their airways are not clear.
Over time sleep apnea can cause a variety of uncomfortable and very serious complications. Along with chronic fatigue and sleep problems, patients may experience debilitating headaches especially upon first waking or falling asleep. Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, an diabetes over time.
Sleep apnea can affect many different kinds of patients, but there are certain factors that put you at risk of experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, including:
Gender: male patients are more likely than female patients to suffer from sleep apnea
Age: patients over the age of 40 are at greater risk
Weight: if you’re overweight you’re more likely to have sleep apnea
Damage to you nose: if you’ve previously broken your nose, or have a deviated septum you’re more likely to have breathing problems associated with sleep apnea
The good news is that there are a variety of treatment options available for patients struggling with sleep apnea. Give our O’Fallon sleep apnea dental office a call for more information or to discuss your situation in greater detail!