Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition in which a person’s breathing suddenly stops for a few moments while they sleep. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that 22 million Americans live with the condition. There are many types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea.
Because the symptoms of sleep apnea happen while someone is asleep, many people don’t realize their breathing stops. As such, an estimated 80 percent of sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed. Without proper treatment, sleep apnea can cause or play a factor in causing:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Type 2 diabetes
- Serious car accidents
- Accidents with serious machinery
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
In the worst cases, sleep apnea can be fatal. This happens when the breathing stops due to the obstruction, but the patient is not able to start breathing again.
It’s essential for everyone to know the warning signs of sleep apnea and get treatment.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea While Asleep
When someone with sleep apnea sleeps, it may not be very restful. First and foremost, they tend to snore more loudly than the average person. Sometimes, the snoring is so loud that it can affect their partner’s sleep as well.
Throughout the night, the snoring will stop quite suddenly. This is when the breathing stops during sleep apnea. A few moments later, the snoring begins again, usually with a particularly loud snore first. Sometimes this process can wake the person up, usually only for a moment.
Because these symptoms happen while the person with sleep apnea is asleep, they may not notice them at all. However, family members or roommates may make comments about the snoring.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea While Awake
The frequent stops and starts mean that people with sleep apnea rarely get truly restful sleep. Sometimes the breathing stops so frequently that the person does not even complete a full REM cycle of sleep. This lack of good sleep can cause many of the same issues as if the person didn’t sleep enough.
When someone with sleep apnea is awake, they may notice that they:
- Feel tired even when they slept enough
- Have a dry mouth when they wake up
- Struggle to concentrate or stay awake
- Feel unusually cranky
- Experience headaches
- Crave sugar and caffeine
These symptoms can be symptoms of other disorders and diseases as well. That’s why it’s so important to see a qualified medical professional if you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Vero Beach
Did you know that dentists can treat sleep apnea? That’s right! Because the mouth and airways are so closely connected, some dentists undergo training to treat sleep apnea. At Dental Partners of Vero Beach, our dentists have been trained to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
With a quick and safe scan, we can identify any obstructions in the airway. You don’t have to get a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea. We can create custom retainers that move the jaw in a way that opens the airways. If you’re ready to treat possible sleep apnea, contact our office today.
