Sleep apnea impacts millions of people in the United States, and lack of treatment could lead to major impacts on your health. But how do you recognize the warning signs of trouble? At our Winter Park, FL, office, our team discusses the symptoms and risk factors of sleep apnea, and also how we treat the concern with a comfortable sleep appliance!
Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
First, let’s talk about the factors that lead to this common sleep disorder. Sleep apnea means that as you rest, the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat actually collapse to block airflow and stop breathing. Your brain wakes you after a few seconds once it registers the drop in oxygen. You may remember waking suddenly gasping for air or choking occasionally, but most people don’t recall these episodes. Regardless, they interrupt your sleep cycle, so you feel exhausted during the day, and could suffer dry mouth, headaches, irritability, and trouble focusing on tasks at work or school. Chronic snoring is also a common symptom. When you experience one or more of these possible symptoms, you should see our team right away for a diagnosis.
The Common Risk Factors
Common risk factors could include using tobacco products or drinking alcohol before going to bed, as well as obesity, large neck circumference, or sinus or allergy concerns that could cause congestion. A deviated septum could be a factor too, and while this impacts people of all genders and ages, men 55 and older are at a higher risk. To help lower your risk, be sure you maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. You should rest on your side, not your back, and avoid exercise, caffeine, smoking, or alcohol right before going to bed. Be sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and if possible, screen-free.
Treating Your Sleep Disorder With Oral Appliances
What about treatment? Instead of a loud and cumbersome CPAP machine, our team could provide an oral appliance that you wear like a mouthguard as you sleep. The device is custom-fitted for your smile and gently repositions the jaw and tongue to keep airways open and free of exhaustion during the night. You breathe without interruption and feel embarrassed and alert the next day. This not only improves for your quality of life, but for your heart health and immune system too.
If you have any questions about how we tackle issues like sleep apnea, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Finally Sleep Without Interruption?
Don’t ignore potential signs of trouble, please alert our team right away! To learn more, please contact our Winter Park, FL, team by calling (407) 457-5337.