Signs Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you are constantly experiencing low energy and are too tired to keep up with your friends and family, it is possible that you might have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A visit to The Dental and Denture Care Center during your next routine dental checkup could help answer some questions about this chronic condition. Sleep apnea is known to cause excessive tiredness and a simple non-invasive treatment can help you get back to your normal self again.
What Exactly Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that hinders the body’s ability to receive oxygen. Without adequate oxygen, a person can feel drained and sluggish. The condition typically manifests itself at night when one is asleep. Therefore, many people don’t realize that they actually have it.
How Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Effect My Health?
If left untreated, there are many adverse health conditions that may arise as a result of sleep apnea. Some conditions can include stroke, high blood pressure, teeth grinding, depression, headaches, diabetes, mood swings, adhd and a lack of well-being.
Can Obstructive Sleep Apnea Negatively Impact My Life?
Without enough oxygen, your body will have a difficult time functioning properly. Beyond the actual health effects listed above, this can translate into feeling tired all the time. One may not have the energy to stay awake past dinner, for their child’s birthday party, to go for a bike ride or to even drive a car. When you don’t have enough oxygen, life’s basic and mundane activities can put you to sleep. You can understand how getting behind the wheel could be dangerous. Your work performance can suffer dramatically as well. Your quality of life can be greatly reduced, which is why it is so critical to contact your dentist for treatment.
Is There A Difference Between Sleep Disorder And Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a physical condition that makes it difficult to breathe properly while sleeping. As a result, your body will not get enough oxygen to function at optimal levels each day. On the contrary, a sleep disorder is different and can include the following:
Restless Leg Syndrome
This condition is often discovered in pregnant women and is characterized when a person’s legs are moving constantly while they sleep often resulting in a burning or itching sensation. It can be highly distracting. To counteract the effects of restless leg syndrome, try going for regular walks or exercise throughout the day.
Insomnia
As far as sleep disorders go, insomnia is one of the more common ones. It can be long term or temporary and is usually brought about by external factors such as stress. The condition can be treated by simple lifestyle changes or even oral medication.
Snoring
If you snore too loudly, you might just wake up your Spring Hill neighbors, your spouse or yourself. Excessive snoring is often associated with sleep apnea and can prevent a person from getting a good night’s sleep.
Jet Lag
While many associate jet lag with long distance travel, it is a real sleep disorder and can effect a person for several weeks. The disruption in your sleep pattern can make it difficult to catch up on the much needed sleep your body needs and can leave a person feeling run down. It may even cause one’s immune system to break down resulting in illness. The condition can correct itself when a person returns home and stops their traveling for a while.
Narcolepsy
As far as sleep disorders are concerned, narcolepsy is the absolute worst. While a rare, the condition leaves a person so exhausted that their body forces them to sleep regardless of whatever they are doing in the moment. It is adisorder that can truly disrupt a person’s life.
If You Think You Might Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Make An Appointment And Come Talk To Us About Your Concerns
If you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, it is a condition that should be taken seriously. A visit to your Spring Hill family dentist for your checkups and teeth cleaning is a perfect opportunity to ask questions about any concerns you may have and the treatment options available to you. If it is time for a checkup, please call The Dental and Denture Care Center at (352) 848-1050 or contact us through our website here to schedule your appointment today. Our team of dental experts are here to give you the best smile of your life.
