The Smile Daily

Do you find yourself exhausted during the day after a full night’s sleep? Are you restless at night and worried that you may have sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts? If so, you’re not alone. More than 18 million Americans have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and finding out as soon as possible whether you actually have the disorder is important, as it poses potentially serious health risks. Here are a few signs and symptoms that you should look for if you think you might be suffering from this sleep disorder.

Your partner complains about loud or excessive snoring

Since sleep apnea is a disorder detected while you are asleep, it is usually the partners of those who suffer from it who notice the symptoms first. If you experience bad snoring that is loud enough to keep your partner awake on a regular basis, you could, potentially, have sleep apnea. While an estimated 30%-50% of the U.S. population experiences snoring, if it is accompanied by any of the following signs, you should consult your doctor for a screening.

You are struggling for air

When you have sleep apnea, pauses in your excessive snoring followed by choking or gasping can be heard by others.  After the oxygen level in your blood falls below a certain point, signals are sent to your brain to wake you to draw a breath, hence the frantic gasping.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact a professional right away.  Depending on the severity of the sleep apnea, there are numerous dental and oral devices that can be used in treating patients.

You’re exhausted during the day

Often overlooked, but a common sign of sleep apnea, is chronic fatigue. After countless nights of ignored, restless sleep, those suffering from sleep apnea will become chronically exhausted. If you are sleeping 7-9 hours every night but are still tired during the day, this could be a sign you have sleep apnea.

You frequent the restroom at night

If you routinely wake up to use the bathroom multiple times per night, it could be a sign that you are suffering from the sleep disorder. As the brain receives signals to take in oxygen in a hurry, the fight or flight response in the body actually creates a feeling of fullness in the bladder, causing you to use the bathroom numerous times in one night. Frequent urination can be the result of many things, but in conjunction with any of the above symptoms, it could be another sign of sleep apnea.

You’re Overweight

An estimated 67% of people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea are overweight. The fat pads that surround your airway enlarge as you gain weight, making it harder to breathe. Losing weight does not usually cure people of sleep apnea, but it can help to improve the condition.If you feel you possess any combination of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately to be screened. If you find you have sleep apnea, consider contacting the dental professionals in our office to work with you and your sleep specialist to further assist you in your treatment, and get you on the road to a better night’s sleep and a healthier you!If you experience any of these common signs of sleep apnea, contact us at Norge Dental Center. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and provide an evaluation to help you determine what course of action or treatment to seek. Give Norge Dental, your trusted Williamsburg dentist, a call at 757-941-5290 or email us via our web form here.