Loud, frequent snoring is often a sign that you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, even if you do not snore, you may still be experiencing pauses in your breathing at night. In today’s blog, your team at Healthy Sleep Solutions in Winter Park, FL, is here to discuss common symptoms and risk factors of the disorder. If you do have OSA, we may be able to help treat your condition with a comfortable oral appliance.
A person of any age or health can experience this disorder, but certain factors increase risk. Men over 50 may be more susceptible to this disorder, but it can also affect women. Overweight patients may also be at a higher risk of the disorder, as reduced muscle tone may be linked to your throat muscles collapsing and causing you to struggle with breathing at night. If you snore or have high blood pressure, these factors can also increase your risks. You can take our risk quiz today to determine the likelihood of the disorder before scheduling a consultation with our team.
Millions of people suffer from OSA, but you may not be aware you are experiencing it because it happens when you are not awake. Loud, chronic snoring is one of the most common signs that your airways are collapsing at night. If your partner has told you that you keep them awake at night with your loud snoring, that may be a sign that it’s time to seek help from a professional. Additionally, other signs can include waking up with a headache or sore throat in the morning. These events can happen because you are breathing with an open mouth and may not be receiving enough oxygen throughout the night. We recommend scheduling a consultation immediately if you suspect any of these symptoms.
The first step of a diagnosis is coming in for a consultation. Your symptoms and signs may prompt us to recommend an at-home test. This test tracks data overnight to determine if you snore, have breathing pauses, or have other sleep issues. At-home tests can be more convenient and comfortable than taking a test in a lab. After completing your at-home test, you will bring the device back to our office for the data to be interpreted. We can then diagnose you with the disorder and discuss your potential treatment options. Oral appliance therapy is a popular choice because it can be more comfortable than a CPAP machine and is highly effective.
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, get in touch with our team today. Call Healthy Sleep Solutions in Winter Park, FL, at (407) 457-5337 to learn more about consultation and potential treatment options.