If you find yourself feeling tired and groggy, even with eight hours of sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can impact every aspect of your life. If you have a partner, it can mess with theirs as well. Palmetto Smiles, a premier dental practice in Florence, SC, can help you see why it’s so important to get sleep apnea treatment.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
You may not even know that you have sleep apnea. At first, you may just think that you’re tired or not getting enough sleep. But if you’re consistently getting eight hours a night and still tired, it’s time to think about if you have these other symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Headaches in the morning
- Waking up gasping for air
- Grogginess
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
Some people are at a higher risk of sleep apnea than others. For instance, if you’re male, over 40, and overweight, those are all things that can make you more likely to have it.
What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea means that your airway gets blocked while you’re sleeping. This means that your organs are repeatedly cut off from oxygen throughout the night. Usually, this is caused by the relaxation of muscles in the back of your throat, leading that soft tissue to block the airway.
Why is it Important to Treat My Sleep Apnea?
The short-term impacts alone are enough to want to treat your sleep apnea. With treatment, you can feel awake and less distracted throughout your day because you’ll sleep better. You should find yourself waking up with a headache less frequently. Your performance at work will be better. Chances are, your partner is struggling with your sleep apnea as well. Your snoring and gasping can wake them up. Treatment improves their sleep too.
The long-term effects of sleep apnea are serious. Studies show that sleep apnea is related to many medical problems. In particular, you’re at risk for various heart problems and complications, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. You’re also more likely to die. Sleep deprivation frequently leads to accidents because you’ve fallen asleep or are distracted. Also, your airway being blocked isn’t a mild condition. You’re depleting the flow of oxygen to your brain, heart, and other organs.
What are my Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Florence, SC?
At Palmetto Smiles, our dentists are trained to take on sleep apnea. An oral sleep appliance can be made customized for your specifications. It’ll be worn every time you’re sleeping. Fitting in your mouth, the device puts your jaw in the right place. This ensures that your airway stays in the open position for normal oxygen flow.
Are you concerned that sleep apnea is why you’re struggling lately? Call us or schedule an appointment online today!