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At Troy Bartels, DDS, we believe our patients deserve the benefit of a good night’s sleep. We provide treatment for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing while asleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, over 25 million Americans — including 26 percent of those between 30 and 70 — have obstructive sleep apnea. And, the majority are undiagnosed. The following information can help you determine whether you or a loved one might benefit from treatment for sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can cause you to stop breathing hundreds of times each night. If this sounds serious to you, you’ve got the right idea. Not only does interrupted breathing lead to poor quality sleep and exhaustion the next day, it can also increase your risk for stroke, heart disease, and other complications. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and collapse while you sleep, blocking your airway.
What Are Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is commonly associated with sleep apnea, though it’s important to remember that not everyone who has sleep apnea snores, and not everyone who snores has sleep apnea! Other common symptoms include dry mouth in the morning, headaches, insomnia, sore throat, and gasping for air upon waking. People with sleep apnea also experience fatigue during the day, mood changes, and other side effects.
These days, juggling work responsibilities, family commitments, and other obligations is enough to leave anyone exhausted. However, your constant fatigue may be caused by sleep apnea. If the symptoms above sound familiar to you, go see a qualified sleep specialist. If you have a sleep apnea diagnosis, our team can fit you with an oral appliance that gently shifts the position of your jaw while you sleep, enabling you to breathe easy and get the rest you deserve. To ask our team any questions or make an appointment at our Jonesboro office, call us today!
