Sleep apnea is a serious sleep-related condition that results in an interruption in the normal breathing processes. This interruption can be caused by either a physical obstruction of the airway or through neurological processes that involve improper communication between your brain and cardiovascular system.
While diagnosing sleep apnea requires going to see medical professionals, there are some warning signs that can let you know if you should seek treatment. One of the strongest indicators of a potential problem is if your spouse tells you that you snore heavily or sound as if you are having difficulty breathing during your sleep. Both of these can be signs of an obstructed airway.
In addition, patients that experience chronic fatigue or wake up feeling short of breath could be experiencing a form of sleep apnea. Fatigue is a sign that your body's sleep cycle may be getting interrupted, even if you are not becoming fully conscious during the interruption.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Sleep apnea is treated in different ways depending on an individual's symptoms and the type of sleep apnea being experienced. Obstructive sleep apnea is the type that is typically treated by dental professionals as it involves a physical blockage instead of a neurological condition.
One proven way of treating sleep apnea is through the use of a nighttime mouthguard. These mouthguards gently reposition the jawbone in order to protect the airway from becoming blocked by collapsing muscles. Some devices also included a piece that serves to hold the tongue in place during sleep and prevent it from falling backward towards the airway.
Sleep apnea can have severe health consequences if left untreated and can take away from your quality of life. However, starting your journey to a safe night of restful sleep is as easy as calling our office and speaking with our skilled professionals.
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Sleep apnea is a serious sleep-related condition that results in an interruption in the normal breathing processes. This interruption can be caused by either a physical obstruction of the airway or through neurological processes that involve improper communication between your brain and cardiovascular system.