Did you know that the symptoms of sleep apnea can impact how alert and rested we feel in the day, and could even cause issues for our work performance and personal relationships? Recognizing these potential warning signs can help you know when to seek treatment. Our sleep clinic in Winter Park, FL, wants to make sure you know when to seek help for sleep apnea!
The Causes of the Disorder
Sleep apnea means that your breathing is interrupted multiple times a night. This is due to the collapse of soft tissues, which obstructs air passages. The brain then registers the drop in oxygen, and wakes you to resume breathing. While you may not recall this happening, it can interrupt your REM sleep several times a night, leaving you feeling exhausted during the day. The constant interruptions can also eventually strain your immune system, so you’re vulnerable to illness, and could stress your cardiovascular health, so high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke and heart attack become more likely.
Symptoms During the Day and Night
During the day, you may often feel exhausted and unable to focus on tasks at work or school. You could be irritable and have complications with your short-term memory. You may also experience headaches and dry mouth too. During the night, you may snore frequently and could wake suddenly choking or gasping for air. When one or more of these daytime and nighttime symptoms arise, then please let our team know right away. We can conduct an at-home sleep test and choose the best treatment option. While the CPAP machine is effective, we can offer a simple and comfortable alternative that is easy to use.
Starting Your Treatment
Treatment could include oral appliance therapy, in which we custom-fit an oral appliance based on the images and measurements we take of your smile. The device is worn while you rest and once in place, repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep airways open and free of obstruction, so you breathe without complication and feel more rested and alert during the day. The appliance is easy to use and can travel with you. Maintenance is simple too, as you simply clean it with soaking and brushing. If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat sleep apnea, or if you recognize any of these potential symptoms, then contact our team today right away to obtain a good night’s rest!
Learn More About Improving Rest With Our Winter Park Team
We have at-home sleep tests and CPAP alternatives to help you rest easy again. To learn more about enjoying a better night’s rest, call Healthy Sleep Solutions in Winter Park, FL at (407) 457-5337 today!