If not getting a full night’s rest isn’t bad enough, sleep apnea also increases an individual’s risk for life threatening systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. It can often be difficult to detect and diagnose sleep apnea since patients are asleep as it occurs. Here’s what you need to know to be aware of symptoms that may indicate either you or your loved ones may be affected by sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is defined as disruptive pauses in breathing while asleep. This leads to poor oxygen flow to the individual’s brain and body, which contributes to poor mental and physical function. Signs that indicate sleep apnea include:
- Loud Snoring
- Drowsiness during the day
- Morning headaches
- Poor sleep patterns
- Insomnia
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Waking up choking or gasping for air
As a result of sleep apnea, patients are more susceptible to developing obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver issues, and Alzheimer’s disease. This disorder also increases an individual’s chances of being struck by heart attacks. In extreme cases, sleep apnea may even lead to sudden mortality.
Sleep Apnea Treatment and Therapy
Since episodes of sleep apnea solely occur when the individual is asleep, he or she may go throughout their entire life without receiving a diagnosis, suffering from its negative effects for some time. It’s important to receive an evaluation to determine if sleep apnea exist as well as diagnose the severity of the case.
Receiving treatment for sleep apnea depends on each individual’s diagnosis. Most cases can be treated with a TAP appliance or other similar device. These mouthpieces position the jaw to allow optimal breathing patterns. Devices like these can be found at certified providers. For severe cases of sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is necessary to provide a consistent flow of air pressure to open the airway and maintain consistent breathing.
Discover Your Treatment Options
With the latest advancements in modern technology, those affected by sleep apnea can receive effective treatment to reduce side effects and help patients finally obtain a full night’s rest. Call our Chesapeake Dental and schedule an appointment with Dr. James Pochron for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment in Chester, MD.