The effects of obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA) can impact every area of your life, from work or school to your
relationships to your health.
The symptoms of sleep
apnea often emerge with snoring. Although snoring alone does not mean you
suffer from OSA, it is the most widely reported symptom; the snoring associated
with sleep apnea is generally loud, nightly snoring that becomes progressively
more intense.
Snoring may be accompanied by waking from sleep choking or gasping for air. Because individuals with sleep apnea experience breathing interruptions during sleep and are not receiving sufficient restful sleep, the adverse effects of OSA begin to present themselves during waking hours.
Those with sleep apnea may suffer from morning headaches, chronic daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing, symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood swings, memory problems, anxiety and depression among other symptoms. These factors can impact your ability to drive and focus on job-related or school-related tasks.
Obstructive sleep apnea can also heighten your risk for severe health problems including hypertension, heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrhythmia. While the chances of developing OSA increase with age, sleep apnea can affect anyone regardless of age, race or gender.
If you or a loved one experiences regular snoring in addition to other sleep apnea symptoms, it is advisable to undergo an exam and evaluation with a dentist who is qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine. There are a number of comfortable and effective sleep apnea treatment options available, including custom-made oral appliances similar to sports mouthguards.
Please contact I Hate CPAP to locate a knowledgeable sleep dentist near you. We are proud to help sleep apnea sufferers and their family members from Wisconsin, Illinois and across the United States.