Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious disorder that impacts millions of people in the United States. Without treatment, this could eventually strain your immune system and cardiovascular health! In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about the causes and warning signs of sleep apnea.
Causes and Risk Factors
OSA means that soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat have become too relaxed and collapse, cutting off airflow as you sleep. You stop breathing for a few seconds until the brain wakes you to resume breathing. You sometimes wake suddenly gasping for air or choking, but often have no idea this has happened. Your sleep cycle is then interrupted several times an hour, often hundreds of times a night. Even if you feel you rested well, this could mean exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Common risk factors include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, sleep aids, asthma, sinus and allergy issues, deviated septum, and issues with the lower jaw, oral structures, and throat.
Warning Signs and Dangers
People with this disorder may wake up gasping for air or struggling to breath, or could wake with dry mouth. Other symptoms include headaches, migraines, exhaustion, irritability, and trouble staying focused on tasks at work or school. Chronic snoring is also a symptom. High blood pressure and elevated stress levels are also a factor too. Without treatment, this could strain your immune system and make more frequent illness possible. The stress on your cardiovascular system could cause a higher risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and even heart attack.
Starting Treatment
If any of the symptoms and risk factors apply to you, then consider scheduling a visit with our team for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. We can help you rest easier and avoid worsening health due to this untreated sleep disorder. In the meantime, you can reduce your risk by cutting back on alcohol consumption, activity, large meals, and caffeine consumption in the two hours before bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool, avoid looking at screens right before bed, and maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day.
If you have any questions about how we treat sleep apnea and improve your ability to rest well, or if you have symptoms and require a consultation and diagnosis, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you feel more alert and rested, so you can enjoy a better quality of life!
Talk To Your Celina, TX Dentist About Better Rest
We would like to help you avoid the complications of poor rest and sleep disorders. If you would like to find out more about improving how well you rest, then contact your Celina, TX, dentist, Dr. Newton, by calling (214) 851-0130.
Recent Comments