Of course, all couples argue, but have you and your significant other been overly cranky lately? Maybe your change in mood has come from an inconsistent sleep for you both. Your significant other can’t get any sleep because of your constant snoring and restlessness. You’ve been feeling drained of any ounce of energy from the very minute you wake up. It’s a horrible combination for your relationship and the overall quality of your lives.
Did you have any clue that these problems could stem from a sleeping disorder? Believe it or not, sleeping disorders can negatively affect many aspects of you and your loved one’s lives. There is good news, your dentist can help you discover if your fatigue is caused by sleep apnea!
Sleep Apnea: A Threat to Your Health
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea—a potentially deadly sleeping disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, is a condition that affects your airway while sleeping. The disorder causes you to have pauses in breathing or very shallow breaths while you sleep.
These pauses in breathing cause your body to lack oxygen, making your brain suddenly send emergency signals to the rest of your body. These signals force your body to suddenly jolt, choke, or snore to start up the normal breathing pattern again. Most patients hardly remember waking up (but your partner might!), but this not only interrupts your critical sleep cycle, it also creates these health complications:
- Severe morning headaches
- Difficulties focusing
- Memory issues
- Fatigue and daytime exhaustion
Discovering the Signs of Sleep Apnea
You may experience these symptoms if you’re dealing with any form of sleep apnea:
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing, especially at work or while driving
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Exhaustion, irritability, and/or depression
The Importance of Seeking Help for Sleep Apnea
Did you know that a custom oral appliance from your dentist could potentially save your life? The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that untreated sleep apnea patients are just about two and a half times more likely to cause a car accident!
If that’s not enough to seek treatment for your sleep apnea, here are some other ways sleep apnea negatively affects your health:
- Your heart and blood vessels work much harder during your pauses in breathing.
- Sleep apnea patients are at higher risk for high blood pressure.
- You become at risk for heart disease.
- There’s a higher chance of you having a stroke.
Many patients find relief from their sleep apnea symptoms by simply wearing a custom oral appliance created by your dentist. The oral appliance gently and comfortably shifts your jaw slightly forward, clearing your airway. Oral appliances are perfect for traveling as well because they’re so small and convenient to take with you.
If you think you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Meet Your Spring Hill Dentist
Dr. Loretta Matic has been practicing dentistry since she graduated from the Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in 1995. With extensive experience in the dental field, she’s helped countless patients discover and treat their sleep apnea. The best way to improve a patient’s life is to help them get a full night of rest again. If you need help with sleeping soundly throughout the night, give our office a call at (931) 548-4888.