According to the American Sleep Association, roughly half of all adults snore. In many cases, this can simply be a nuisance for people who are trying to sleep nearby. Sometimes, however, snoring is a sign of a much bigger problem called sleep apnea, which can potentially be life-threatening and may directly lead to heart problems. Learn more about this condition and how sleep apnea treatment may just help save your life.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect My Health?
With sleep apnea, a person will periodically stop breathing during sleep; these pauses can occur 5 to 30 times in an hour. Not only does this condition prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep, it is also associated with high blood pressure as well as a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. This is because when you stop breathing, the brain tells your blood vessels to tighten up in order to try and get more oxygen to the brain and heart; this can continue to cause problems during the day.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which is where the flow of air is physically blocked; it’s often associated with obesity, and men tend to be more at risk than women.
How Can I Tell if I Have Sleep Apnea?
The easiest way to identify sleep apnea is for someone else to hear the snoring and interruptions of breathing. It’s harder to detect for people who live alone, but symptoms may include:
- Waking up gasping for air
- Having a sore or dry throat upon awakening
- Being sleepy throughout the day
- Headaches in the morning
- Forgetfulness and mood changes
- Insomnia or frequent awakenings
What Should I Do if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition; if you suspect you have it, you should get help from a professional. For obstructive sleep apnea, oftentimes a snoring appliance is used. It’s fitted into the mouth like an orthodontic retainer in order to support the jaw forward. This opens up the airway and allows you to breathe normally during sleep.
If you’ve been told that you snore, there’s reason to be concerned, especially if you notice possible symptoms of sleep apnea. In many cases, your dentist will have training in treating sleep apnea; call to ask what services are available and consider setting up an appointment to make sure you really do have the condition. These steps could be important for protecting your heart – as well as getting a good night’s sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki has been named a Fellow to the International Congress of Oral Implantology. At his practice, Brown & Nawrocki Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, he provides various forms of treatment for people with damaged or missing teeth, such as dental implants; he also offers oral appliances for patients suffering from snoring and sleep apnea. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (386) 677-1046.