When you have chronic snoring and daytime drowsiness, this could indicate the presence of a disorder known as sleep apnea. Ignoring the symptoms could lead to poor quality of sleep and even strain on your heart health. Our team of helpful local sleep science professionals in Wheaton, IL, wants to talk about the causes and symptoms of sleep apnea!
The Causes of Sleep Apnea
What causes a disorder like sleep apnea to occur? Underlying factors could include a large neck circumference, sinus or allergy issues, a deviated septum, obesity, or complications with the growth of your jaw or certain oral structures. Your lifestyle could be a factor too, as excessive alcohol before bed and resting on your back could also lead to sleep apnea. With this disorder, as you rest, the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and in your throat collapse and cut off airflow. This causes you to stop breathing briefly until the brain registers this and wakes you. While you may not remember this happening, it could occur multiple times a night!
The Common Symptoms
People with the disorder may experience chronic snoring or waking in the night gasping for air or choking. They could wake with dry mouth and headaches, and could feel irritable and tired during the day. There could also be issues with concentration or even short-term memory. Don’t ignore these potential symptoms; instead, reach out to our team to talk about possible solutions. We want to help you rest easy and feel more refreshed and alert when you wake up. We also want you to avoid major complications, including stress on your immune system and cardiovascular system!
Diagnosing and Treating Your Disorder
When you see our team, we will ask you about possible symptoms and risk factors, and will examine your smile. For an accurate diagnosis, we may recommend an at-home sleep test, which can offer a diagnosis with precision. When the time comes for treatment, our team could opt for an oral appliance, a convenient and comfortable alternative to the CPAP machine. The oral appliance will fit like a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep. This repositions your jaw and helps ease symptoms, so you wake up feeling more rested and refreshed. If you have any questions about how our team will ease sleep apnea and help you enjoy a better quality of life, then contact our team today to learn more.
Let Wheaton Dental Sleep Center Offer Relief
Our team wants to help you enjoy a good night’s rest with an oral appliance! To learn more about how our team offers relief from a sleep disorder, then give us a call at Wheaton Dental Sleep Center at (630) 665-5555.