Do you or your significant other snore loudly while sleeping? If so, then it could be a sign of sleep apnea in Plano. However, your sleep dentistry specialist says that is not the only symptom to be on the lookout for. As you continue reading, you’ll discover the many other warning signs to be aware of and how your sleep dentist can help out!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that results in the continuous pausing in your breathing while you sleep. The most common type is obstructed sleep apnea (OSA), which refers to the partial blockage of your airway. This can be caused by the tongue falling to the back of the mouth or the muscles in the throat collapsing.
One of the signs of this blockage is loud snoring, which occurs when the restricted air attempts to pass through a partially blocked space. Thus, the loud sound is the result of the vibration created.
How Your Brain Responds to Sleep Apnea
Your brain responds to these lapses in breathing by sending distress signals to the nervous system that trigger you to awaken. Because this can happen several times throughout the night for a person who suffers from sleep apnea, he or she never feels refreshed the following day.
Is Snoring the Only Symptom of Sleep Apnea?
While loud snoring in Plano can be an indicator of sleep apnea, not all people who snore have OSA. Here are some other signs of the condition to be on the lookout for:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sexual desire
- Silent pauses in breathing
- Choking or gasping sounds
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)
How Can OSA be Treated?
The first step to getting the rest you need is to be properly diagnosed. Dr. Fedosky and the professionals at Sleep Rehab start by providing patients with at-home sleep testing equipment, and the results will be reviewed by Board Certified Sleep Medicine physicians.
If it’s determined that sleep apnea is the cause of your symptoms, then your sleep dentist will treat the condition using one or more of the following options:
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
- Adjustable airway pressure devices
- Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP)
- Surgical options
When you visit for a consultation, the professional will recommend the form of treatment that is best suited for your specific needs. With the help of your sleep dentist, you can stop snoring in Plano and get the rest you’ve been missing, which will allow you to enjoy a healthier life.
To find out whether you have sleep apnea and have it successfully treated, reach out to Dr. Fedosky to schedule a visit today.
About the Author
A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Keane Fedosky has over 20 years of experience in oral appliance therapy and is dedicated to the treatment of Sleep Apnea and Snoring. To stay abreast of the latest advancements in treatment and technology, he maintains membership with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Fedosky treats sleep apnea and snoring at Sleep Rehab, and he can be reached for more information through his website.