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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Halloween is just around the corner, and the celebrations have already begun. From fall festivals and trunk-or-treats to school parties and more, there’s no shortage of ways to show off your amazing costume—and of course, load up on candy! 🎃🍬 For kids, trick-or-treating is the ultimate Halloween thrill, but for parents, all those sweets pose a challenge. Balancing the fun and dental health can be tricky. With a few proactive steps though, it’s totally doable. Here are five simple tips to keep Halloween happy—without letting it get too scary for your teeth.
Read MoreHave you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine. When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Read MoreAh, hormones. They don’t really get the best rap, do they? Just the word calls to mind moodiness, acne, postpartum depression, and night sweats. But did you know that hormones also affect your mouth, too? Yep, that’s right—even your teeth aren’t immune from the impact of hormones on your body. Luckily, with a little foresight and extra love, your oral health doesn’t have to suffer just because Aunt Flow came to town. Read on to see how your mouth and your hormones are connected, which hormonal triggers to watch out for, and what to do to keep smiling, no matter your age or stage of life.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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