Could You Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea and Not Know It?
By Robert Howard | Published on January 12, 2011 | 0 Comments
There is a very real and very scary possibility that you could be suffering from a medical condition referred to as sleep apnea, which causes people to actually stop breathing while they sleep. Sometimes sufferers are aware that they have sleep apnea, but more often than not, Robert Howard DDS explains, people continue to suffer without really knowing what is going on.
The most common symptom, says Dr. Howard, an experienced dentist in Troy, AL, is loud snoring while you are sleeping followed by an interruption in your breathing for a few seconds. After you stop breathing, you are kind of jolted, and then you breathe naturally again. This shock that jars you into breathing again could wake you up fully, but most of the time, you are probably not aware that it has even happened. Another symptom, says Dr. Howard, is waking up in the morning not feeling relaxed because of this constant pattern of being awoken throughout the night.
If you suspect that you might have sleep apnea or notice that something isn’t quite right with your sleeping habits, you should visit your doctor or dentist for a complete diagnosis. Many people, Dr. Howard says, discover that they suffer from sleep apnea after partaking in a sleep study in a hospital or clinic that monitors what happens overnight. One of the first solutions that Classic Smiles offers sleep apnea patients is an oral appliance.
Other medical offices, Dr. Howard explains, may require you to wear a breathing apparatus that covers your mouth and part of your face while you sleep to keep you breathing throughout the night. Sometimes, however, people cannot wear this appliance comfortably while they sleep due to claustrophobia or other complications. The appliance that Dr. Howard recommends, on the other hand, is similar to a retainer and works by opening up the throat and pushing the jaw forward to promote a more stable breathing pattern. Since sleep apnea occurs when the throat closes, this appliance can often times help.
When you visit your local dentist, an impression is made of your mouth to ensure that the appliance fits perfectly and won’t become loose or troublesome when you settle in for the night. It is very likely that you will need to wear this appliance every night for the rest of your life, and you may find that it needs to be replaced from time to time, Dr. Howard says.
As an added bonus, this appliance can also keep you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. This will alleviate any pain that you feel in your neck and jaw and add to the comfort and relaxation you feel when you wake up every morning.
It’s remarkable how one small appliance can transform the way you feel every day. If you’ve noticed that you wake up very groggy in the morning or your partner has commented on your loud snoring, then it may be time to visit your dentist to find out what can be done for you.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.