There’s nothing quite like the bliss of waking up refreshed after a good night’s rest. But what happens when restful nights are replaced with snoring, gasping, and groggy mornings? These are potential signs of sleep apnea, a condition that shouldn’t be left unchecked. Here are the most common symptoms that warrant a closer look by a medical professional.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
The Greek word apnea means breathless. In the medical field, this refers to a common sleep-related disorder where a person stops breathing during the night. A survival mechanism kicks in due to the lack of oxygen, and you wake up just in time to continue breathing.
While this reflex is what’s keeping you alive, it can also significantly affect your slumber and overall well-being. In most cases, this cycle happens multiple times, standing in the way of you getting a good night’s rest. That’s why undergoing a sleep apnea treatment can significantly improve your overall well-being.
What Are the Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the throat muscles that support the soft palate relax, narrowing and blocking the airway. Then there’s central sleep apnea (CSA), a neurological issue that happens because the brain doesn’t send the right signals to these muscles. This one can develop from OSA, in which case it’s known as treatment-emergent CSA.
What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
National Sleep Foundation research shows that around 10% to 30% of Americans have this sleep-related disorder. The reason behind such a broad estimate is the fact that many cases go undiagnosed.
There are various signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, but not all of them arise in every affected person. Between OSA and CSA, they can overlap, making it difficult to determine which form of this condition you’re dealing with. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your Charlotte dentist in South Park to uncover the reason behind your restless nights.
Your Nights Aren’t Exactly Calm and Relaxing
Insomnia, night sweats, restlessness during the night – all of these can be tell-tale signs. If you’re waking up multiple times throughout your slumber, you probably won’t be able to remember it. However, a loved one might notice it, helping you realize there’s a problem in the first place.
Unusual Breathing Patterns Are a Big Tell-Tale Sign
Waking up during the night snorting, choking, or gasping for air? Dealing with a dry mouth or sore throat each morning? You should definitely consult a professional.
There’s one pattern that’s pretty common with this condition – the Cheyne-Stokes breathing (CBS). It entails fast breathing, getting deeper and then shallower, followed by a pause of several seconds. After this, the breathing continues again, starting the cycle all over again.
Interrupted Nights Lead to Sleepy Days
When you don’t get quality rest during the night, you’ll obviously feel sleepy throughout the day, maybe even dizzy at times. Excessive daytime sleepiness, known as hypersomnia, can cause concentration problems, memory loss, morning headaches, and mood changes. The culprit might be OSA, CSA, or other sleep-related disorders, such as narcolepsy.
It goes without saying, but daytime drowsiness can significantly impact your work and daily activities. If you’re driving regularly, it can be pretty dangerous. Because of that, it’s crucial to talk to your Charlotte, NC, dentist as soon as possible.
Loud Snoring Is One of the Most Common Sleep Apnea Signs
Not everyone who is dealing with this condition snores, but it’s still a very common symptom. It occurs in 94% of affected patients, to be exact. On the other hand, not everyone who snores has OSA. But if your zzz’s are loud enough to wake you or your loved one up, it’s important to have it checked out.
What Are Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Children?
While this sleep-related disorder is more likely to develop as you get older, children can be affected, too. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist as soon as possible:
- Loud snoring,
- Increased arm and leg movements,
- Bedwetting and night sweats,
- Sleeping in unusual positions,
- Trouble focusing or hyperactivity.
How Your Dentist Can Help With Your Sleep Apnea
As mentioned several times, any of these symptoms are enough of a reason to talk to your dentist in Charlotte, NC. It might be nothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You’ll discuss your symptoms and oral history, and if your dentist thinks it’s plausible, you’ll undergo a sleep study to diagnose your condition.
Advanced Laser Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, Offers a Great Solution
There are many treatments for sleep apnea, including plenty of special devices and mouthpieces that work to open up your airways. However, there’s a relatively new solution that is showing impressive and long-lasting results in treating OSA – laser technology.
That’s right – lasers aren’t used in cosmetic dental treatments only. At Aspire Dental Wellness, you’ve got the option of simple and quick solutions such as Fotona’s NightLaseⓇ and Solea Sleep. With their tightening effect, these innovative technologies offer a completely non-invasive treatment that’s become a staple in stress-free dentistry. They work wonders in treating snoring too.
Visit Our Clinic to Discover the Reason Behind Your Restless Nights
When your nighttime troubles are becoming too much to bear, the last thing you should do is google “laser dentistry near me” and settle on the first clinic you see. You need a trusted professional for the job, one who’s had plenty of experience when it comes to this sleep-related disorder. Our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, can offer just that. Don’t hesitate to contact us and reserve your appointment – it’s the first step toward getting back to those blissful nights and energetic mornings once again.
