Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Preventive care involves taking steps to resolve problems before they really become problems. While it may seem like an obvious definition, it’s hard to determine that something is the early seed of a medical problem. Dangerous habits we indulge in during sleep are sinister – they often go unnoticed, and thus are allowed to continue for long periods without treatment.

While casual snoring seems innocuous, it could actually be the sign of sleep apnea, a harmful disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. In order to determine whether sleep apnea may be taking a toll on your nights, read on, and engage with our sleep apnea determination post.

Potential Signs of Sleep Apnea

The only way to medically diagnose sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep study, during which your entire night’s sleep is monitored. But how do you decide that a sleep study is a good idea? Start by checking on signs of sleep apnea at home. In order to check on whether your sleep has been truly restful, it’s crucial that you evaluate how you’re feeling right after waking up. In particular, check for the following:

• Dry mouth or sore throat
• Frequent waking during the night
• Gasping or snoring (if you didn’t wake, check with your partner or family to see if they heard you in the night); snoring does not always mean sleep apnea, but most sufferers of sleep apnea snore
• Feeling poorly rested and tired during the day, after a full night’s sleep

There are also online tests you can take to determine whether seeking a sleep apnea diagnosis could be a wise bet.

How Do I Treat Sleep Apnea ?

Sleep apnea may be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the intensity. At Distinctive Dentistry, we offer oral appliances to pull the tongue forward during sleep and prevent your throat from being obstructed. We will work with you until you have regained restful nights. Let us know if you have any further questions about sleep apnea diagnosis or treatment.