Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient experiences disturbed or obstructed breathing during sleep. Oral tissues fall into the airway during sleep, preventing optimal airflow. Many obstructive sleep apnea patients experience fitful sleep, disruptive snoring, and chocking episodes at night. Some sleep apnea patients suffer from more than 100 sleep apnea episodes per night.
If you or someone you know is suffering with common symptoms of sleep apnea it’s important that you address these concerns with your dentist right away. Over time obstructive sleep apnea may increase your likelihood for developing diabetes, heart disease, and having a stroke.
Certain people have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Patients with the following risk factors should stay alert for signs or symptoms of sleep apnea including:
Being male
Being overweight
A family history of sleep apnea
Previous nose injuries, including a deviated septum
Chronic allergies
Regular sinus infections
It’s important to realize that patients of any gender and age can experience sleep apnea. However, patients over the age of forty are statistically more likely to battle sleep apnea.
Without adequate treatment, sleep apnea can disturb the quality of your sleep. Sleep apnea patients often experience extreme fatigue during the day and trouble staying asleep at night. Don’t take these symptoms lightly; there are effective treatments available for you and your loved ones.
If you’d like to learn more about sleep apnea treatments, or if you’d like to schedule your appointment, give our Saint Louis sleep apnea dental office a call. We’re here to help you and your family enjoy a healthy night’s sleep!