Sleep apnea, a serious condition affecting 18 million Americans, is a condition that occurs when the upper passages of your airways close up. This cuts off oxygen and interrupts your breathing. A sleep test is needed to confirm if you have the condition.
Some of the common signs of the condition are:
Loud and consistent snoring – loud and consistent snoring that is enough to wake up your partner could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Waking up in the middle of the night to breathe – if you find yourself waking in the middle of the night gasping for air, you could have sleep apnea. Those with severe sleep apnea may wake hundreds of times in the night and not be aware of it.
Daytime fatigue – Since sleep apnea disrupts one’s normal sleep cycle, sufferers may experience daytime fatigue. This may result in a lack of focus and concentration.
Sleeping with an open mouth– Since those who suffer from sleep apnea have a hard time getting enough air through their nose, they often sleep with their mouth open and awake with dry mouth.
If you or someone you love regularly suffer from these symptoms, talk to us here at DaVinci Dentistry. There are treatment options, including the use of a CPAP machine. Since untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, liver problems, and other life-threatening health conditions, it is important to seek help. Please reach out to us at 817.251.9333 to schedule an appointment. We gladly welcome patients from Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas.