Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that results in recurring pauses in breathing while sleeping. When suffering from sleep apnea, these pauses may last from anywhere between a few seconds and more than a minute at a time. This typically occurs when a person’s airways become blocked, preventing them from breathing normally.
Because of the major health concerns associated with sleep apnea, the condition should always be taken very seriously. Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud or excessive snoring
- Waking up abruptly at night
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
- Recurring sore throats
- Headaches
- Problems sleeping
- Daytime tiredness
- Inability to focus
- Irritability
Sleep apnea can lead to some significant medical conditions when it is left untreated, including some that are life-threatening. Some of the health problems associated with sleep apnea include high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, metabolic issues and liver damage. The sooner that a patient seeks out treatment for sleep apnea, the less likely that any of these serious conditions are to occur.
In many cases, sleep apnea can be treated using an oral appliance that is worn while sleeping. This type of device will adjust the positioning of the user’s jaw and throat muscles to make it easier for them to breathe properly while they are asleep. By using this type of device every night, a user can eliminate many of the problems associated with sleep apnea. If an oral appliance does not alleviate the issue, other treatments may be necessary.
If you aren’t receiving a proper night of sleep, it is possible that sleep apnea could be the culprit. Our experts can help you determine the true cause of the condition and put a stop to the problem. You may call us at (203) 408-2868 to schedule an appointment.