- Posted on: Feb 21 2015
Are you overly tired during the day? Waking up in the morning with a dry mouth or headache? Snoring so loudly that you disturb not only your own sleep but also that of your partner?
You may be experiencing sleep apnea and you are not alone. Sleep apnea affects more than ten million people according to the National Institutes of Health. It disrupts sleep, causes headaches, and impacts concentration. Those suffering from untreated sleep apnea—and the repeated oxygen deprivation it causes—are at risk for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, weight gain and more.
So how do you know if you are suffering from sleep apnea?
Loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea but it’s not the only one. Here are some of the most common signs of obstructive and central sleep apnea from the Mayo Clinic website:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Loud snoring – usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
- Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- Attention problems
If you are experiencing loud snoring – especially snoring punctuated by periods of silence – it’s important to seek a medical consult. It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment if you are chronically fatigued during the day.
We’re here to help. Our office specializes in sleep apnea and we can help evaluate your symptoms and perform an initial sleep apnea screening. We can also offer a referral for a more comprehensive physician exam and provide sleep apnea treatment solutions.
Learn more about our sleep apnea services and contact us at (616) 458-0631 with any questions or concerns.
Published by: Grand Rapids Dentistry Blog – A Life of Smiles
A Grand Rapids, Michigan based cosmetic, general & sedation dentistry
Tagged with: central sleep apnea, Consultation, Mayo Clinic, National Institutes of Health, obstructive, Sleep Apnea
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