More and more patients are learning about the dangers of obstructive sleep apnea, and they’re familiarizing themselves with the warning signs of this disorder. Our O’Fallon sleep apnea dental office is here to help patients understand this disorder and receive effective treatment. Understanding who is at risk for obstructive sleep apnea is an important first step for many patients; so today I’m going to give an overview of obstructive sleep apnea and whom it often affects.
If you’re male, you’re already more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women. Additional factors that put you at risk are if you’re overweight and an allergy sufferer. Patients who have family members suffering from OSA are also more likely to have sleep apnea. And if you’ve ever broken your nose or sustained an injury to the face (resulting, for example in a deviated septum), you are more likely to have sleep apnea.
You or your sleeping partner may notice these common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. If you do see yourself reflected in this list, talk to your dentist about the possibility of sleep apnea:
Many sleep apnea sufferers snore regularly and loudly
Your sleeping partner may report that you sometimes “snort” yourself awake
You may suffer from fatigue, since breathing problems disrupt your sleep
Patients with sleep apnea often suffer from chronic headaches
The good news is that there are simple, unobtrusive solutions for sleep apnea that can help you feel well rested and healthy again. If you or someone you know is suffering from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to seek treatment—you really can better your quality of sleep and your quality of life.
To learn more, or to schedule a consultation with our O’Fallon sleep apnea dental office, give us a call today. At your consultation we’ll explain exactly what sleep apnea treatment entails, and walk you through the process.