Not getting enough quality rest can put a serious damper on your quality of life, and over time, it can even lead to big-time health problems. Unfortunately, millions of Americans suffer from a disorder that robs them of precious shuteye — sleep apnea. Do you suspect that you’re suffering from this condition? If any of the following symptoms sound familiar, you may very well need to seek out treatment for sleep apnea in Ormond Beach.
1. Snoring
Snoring occurs when air causes the tissue in your throat to vibrate as you breathe during sleep. Sometimes, snoring is just an annoyance that your partner complains about. In many cases, though, it signals sleep apnea. If your snoring is particularly loud or frequent, it’s possible that the same tissue that’s making the noise is also causing you to stop breathing for short periods during the night.
If your partner notices that, in addition to snoring, you also gasp loudly or jerk around a lot while you’re sleeping, these are other big signs that you should visit a doctor to find out if you have sleep apnea.
2. Sleepiness and Fatigue
If you find that you’re dragging your feet all day every day, don’t just blame the problem on stress at work or your lumpy mattress. Sleep apnea makes it difficult for you to enter the deeper parts of your sleep cycle — the parts where you get the most refreshing rest. As a result, you may become a serial yawner who can’t stay awake during company meetings.
3. Trouble Concentrating and Slow Reaction Times
If you used to pride yourself on your sharp mind and awesome driving skills, but lately things just haven’t been the same, sleep apnea might be to blame. A lack of quality sleep can have a drastic effect on your memory, concentration, and reflexes.
4. Morning Discomforts
Sleep apnea deprives you of precious oxygen, which in turn causes your blood vessels to widen, leading to vascular headaches. This symptom is often most severe in the morning. You might also notice that your throat is dry and/or sore when you wake up. That’s because many people with sleep apnea snooze with their mouth completely open.
5. Restlessness at Night
Many people with sleep apnea find it difficult to fall asleep at night. Even if you do fall asleep, you may find that you wake up frequently because you have to use the bathroom. This need to urinate multiple times throughout the night might be related to how sleep apnea messes with your body’s normal Circadian rhythms.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Ormond Beach
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or have recently been diagnosed with it, it’s important to explore your treatment options. Many doctors prescribe CPAP therapy as the standard way to address this condition, but that might not be your only choice. Your dentist in Ormond Beach may be able to design a custom oral appliance to reposition your jaw at night and keep your airway clear so you can rest easy.
Sleep is a precious thing. If you have a condition that’s interfering with your shuteye, seeking out treatment could change your life!
About Us
As your dentists in Ormond Beach, we provide a range of standard dental services, but we can also design oral appliances to address snoring and sleep apnea. If you’re wondering if we can help you breathe easier at night, please contact us at 386-677-1046.