Lake Forest, Lake Bluff IL
Let’s talk about sleep apnea on the blog today. Millions of people have it, while most are unaware of their condition. Snoring is considered the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, although you could still have this sleep-breathing disorder even if you aren’t a snorer. Managing sleep apnea is essential because it has been scientifically linked to co-morbidities like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even dementia! If you have sleep apnea, one thing is certain; you feel tired all of the time. Not just tired like you stayed up too late, but chronic fatigue that causes you to stop making plans with friends, struggling to get through work every day, and potentially falling asleep at the wheel. So today on the blog, Lake Forest dentists answer questions about sleep apnea. Learn more about its symptoms, how it could affect your health, and how to get treatment.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Snoring and chronic fatigue are most common, although there are others. You might have obstructive sleep apnea if you gasp loudly for air or stop breathing while sleeping, wake with a headache or a dry mouth, experience insomnia, are forgetful, irritable, or have a low sex drive with no other explanation.
Should I be worried about my snoring?
If you snore, you should be worried about not managing this common sleep apnea symptom. Snoring means your airway is blocked, and air tries to seep through the airway as it vibrates soft tissue in the way, which results in the snoring sound. It essentially means that your body isn’t getting enough air. You’d probably not deprive your body of its other basic needs like food and water, so don’t let air be any different! According to studies, untreated sleep apnea could increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and even dementia.
What should I do if I think I have sleep apnea?
The first step to take if you are worried you are at risk for sleep apnea is to receive an airway evaluation by a Lake Forest sleep apnea dentist. We can assess your airway and determine if you are at risk of a sleep-breathing disorder. Additionally, we may recommend a sleep study for an official diagnosis before establishing a treatment plan. The most important thing is not to delay getting help! Every day that you do, your health is at risk.
Will I have to use a CPAP machine?
Not necessarily. The good news is that oral appliance therapy is proven to be an effective treatment for sleep apnea. It helps hold the lower jaw into proper alignment, so the soft tissue of the throat and airway does not collapse while sleeping. Since the aligner is similar to a nightguard but much more sophisticated, it won’t keep your partner awake like a noisy CPAP machine!
How do I find out more?
It’s important to get restful sleep. If you’d like to learn more about a sleep apnea screening in Lake Forest or find out if your snoring is the result of a sleep-breathing disorder, we can help! Get started today by scheduling a consultation with Lake Forest Smiles by calling (847) 234-4800. We can help you live a healthier, more restful life!