If you snore, you could be dealing with
obstructive sleep apnea, however, not everyone who snores when sleeping has
OSA.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that
causes your air passageways to close when you sleep. Although a direct cause is
unknown, your dentist in Corona believes that it could have something to do
with your weight or your genetics. OSA could also be an issue if you drink,
smoke, take drugs, or have a large neck size.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder
that causes a person to wake up as many as 30 times every hour. This happens
because the back passage way that allows air in closes when you sleep. If this
occurs, your brain will wake you up, as you are not getting enough blood
circulation. People who sleep alone are rarely aware of OSA as another person
usually witnesses it.
You may be dealing with Obstructive Sleep
Apnea if you:
- Snore
- Suffer from daytime sleepiness
- Have mood swings
- Have insomnia
- Gasp while you sleep
- Breath Loud
- Experience a shortness of breath
- Are irritable
- Breath through your mouth
- Are hyperactive
- Are irritable
- Lack concentration
- Memory loss
- Wet the bed or suffer from excessive urination while you sleep
Other common symptoms of obstructive sleep
apnea include depression, fatigue, sore throat, teeth grinding and a reduced
sex drive.
Problems that can occur with OSA include
heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes, kidney problems, and
even death.
What can Help OSA?
CPAP-A CPAP machine used to be the most
common therapy for OSA sufferers, however a CPAP can be uncomfortable and often
remains unused because it is inconvenient and bulky.
Surgery-Surgery can help with obstructive
sleep apnea, but is often unsuccessful
Oral Appliance Therapy-A custom-made oral
appliance is the best defense against sleep apnea. Talk to your dentist in
Corona if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Your dentist in
Corona can make you an oral appliance therapy device that really will help you
get a good night’s sleep.
