Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common disorder found in both adults and children. It’s a disorder where you have shallow breaths or pauses in breathing while sleeping. Typically this is a chronic condition and many adults are unaware that they even have it.
But sleep apnea is a serious disorder that can affect your sleep patterns and your overall health. Since the disorder happens when you sleep, how will you even know you have it? This article will teach you what you need to know about sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea condition occurs when the muscles in the throat and near the tongue relax and cause a blockage of airflow to the lungs while sleeping. As you try to breathe around the obstruction, loud snoring or even pauses in breathing ensues.
People that are overweight commonly have this problem, but others can have it as well, including children who may have enlarged tonsils.
There is no blood test or in-office procedure to determine if you have the disorder, but there are some obvious signs of the problem. Sleep apnea can cause other health problems if left untreated such as:
- A higher risk of obesity, diabetes, heart attack, or high blood pressure.
- An increased risk of heart failure or heart arrhythmias.
- Increase the risk of falling asleep while driving or having work accidents.
The next section will help you determine if you may have this disorder.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many times it’s your spouse that notices your breathing issues before you do. If you snore loudly or your breathing seems to stop and start with a loud snorting sound, you may have sleep apnea.
Here are ten signs to watch for:
- Loud and frequent snoring.
- Daytime sleepiness and a lack of energy.
- Tiredness while driving.
- Headaches in the mornings.
- Tossing and turning while sleeping.
- Mood changes, forgetfulness, and irritability.
- Lowered sex drive.
- Waking up with a gasping or choking feeling.
- Waking with a very dry or a sore throat.
- Insomnia or recurrent waking.
If you believe you or your loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, there is actually a simple device that a Las Vegas Dentist certified in sleep disorders can provide.
Las Vegas Dentist for Sleep Apnea
Did you know Dr. Hadley is one of only two certified dental sleep medicine practitioners in the state? This means Dr. Hadley is qualified to prescribe a non-invasive mouth device that can prevent the sleep apnea from occurring. These oral devices are custom fitted and worn in the mouth at night.
These devices look quite like the mouth guard you see athletes wearing but they are designed to precisely fit your mouth. These devices are particularly helpful for those with moderate sleep apnea who sleep on their backs or stomachs. The mouth device may help stop loud snoring and will likely improve the quality of the sleep you receive.
If you are even slightly concerned about sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hadley and his team.