If you’re feeling exhausted the moment you awake in the morning, even after getting to bed at a decent hour, there’s a chance that something else could be wrong inside your body. According to your dentist, one of these conditions could be sleep apnea, a condition often associated with chronic fatigue. Of course, your dentist doesn’t want you to confirm that to be the only possibility.
Today, he’ll be discussing what chronic fatigue could be a sign of, what the other symptoms of sleep apnea in Plano are, and what he can do to help.
What Diseases are Associated with Chronic Fatigue?
If you experience chronic fatigue with no explanation, ask your doctor about the following diseases often associated with fatigue symptoms:
- Liver Disease – Damaged bile ducts can allow harmful substances into your liver, causing primary biliary cholangitis.
- Anemia – When the blood isn’t getting enough iron, iron-deficiency can easily occur.
- Heart Failure – This occurs when the heart fails to pump enough blood throughout the body, giving more priority to the heart and brain, rather than the limbs.
- Narcolepsy – Uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, disrupted nighttime sleep, and vivid hallucinations all accompany fatigue.
- Stress – If you’re not dedicating enough time to sleep due to work or other obligations, lifestyle changes may be needed to reduce your fatigue.
- Advanced Age – As you age, muscle mass begins to reduce, especially if you don’t participate in any physical exercise.
- Underactive Thyroid – When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, it can make you feel sluggish and even make you gain weight.
- Vitamin D Deficiency – Vitamin D is key for bone density, muscle strength, and tooth health. Chronic fatigue can easily set in when the body isn’t receiving enough.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – While no cause has been determined, this condition is often linked to viral infections and psychological stress.
The cause of chronic fatigue isn’t guaranteed to be sleep apnea, so it’s important to see a specialist if your dentist determines it isn’t.
How Do I Know if It’s Sleep Apnea?
If you’re often fatigued, sleep apnea is typically accompanied with the following symptoms:
- Feeling fatigued after a full night’s sleep
- Choking or gasping while sleeping
- Frequent urination
- Loud snoring
- Mood swings or sudden signs of depression
It’s one thing to not be as well-rested, but chronic fatigue is characterized by extreme tiredness and difficulty performing even the most basic tasks.
How Do I Get Treated for Sleep Apnea in Plano?
According to your dentist, sleep apnea is treatable. The main two ways are the CPAP machine and an oral appliance. In some cases, patients can benefit from using both at the same time.
- CPAP – Short for continuous positive airway pressure machine, this device forces air via a nasal mask during sleep, confirming enough air gets to the patient.
- Oral Appliance – This works by shifting the position of the jaw during sleep, opening the airway and allowing air to flow through properly.
Is your snoring in Plano driving your partner crazy? Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist and determine if sleep apnea is present!
About the Author
Dr. Keane Fedosky earned his DDS degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you’ll find his decades of experience practicing oral appliance therapy and sleep apnea treatment useful. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.