Loud, chronic snoring is the most common
symptom of sleep apnea, but most people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea
(OSA) and other forms of this dangerous sleep disorder also experience other
symptoms. And snoring alone does not mean you have sleep apnea.
With an increasing
number of sleep apnea diagnostic tools and treatment options available through
the growing field of dental sleep
medicine, it’s important to schedule a consultation with an experienced
sleep dentist near you if you or a loved one snores regularly and also has any
of the following symptoms:
- Recurring daytime drowsiness
- Morning headaches
- Sudden weight gain
- Difficulty focusing/memory problems
- Regular morning dry mouth
- Recurring sore throats
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Waking up choking/gasping for breath
- Decreased sex drive
Left untreated, OSA and
other types of sleep apnea can increase your risk for developing severe health
problems, including hypertension, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes and
fibromyalgia among others. Fortunately, there are a number of comfortable and
effective sleep apnea treatments available.
Although continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices have long been the standby for treating
sleep apnea, many patients benefit from custom-made oral appliances similar
to mouthguards that allow you to maintain an open airway as you sleep.
If you would like to
learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please contact IHateCPAP.com to
locate a qualified sleep dentist near you.