Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the more common form of sleep apnea that occurs when throat muscles relax — including the side walls of the throat, tongue, tonsils, and soft palate. This is potentially dangerous, as it restricts breathing. A narrowed or blocked air passage can cause a person to wake up all night long gasping for breath. It also restricts oxygen flow to the brain. And, maybe worst of all, it inhibits deep restful sleep.
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- waking with headaches
- attention problems
- difficulty staying asleep
- daytime sleepiness
- waking abruptly during the night with shortness of breath
- stopping breathing during the night
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Here at Bradford Family Dentistry, we treat several kinds of sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea responds well to treatment. We fit you with a removable appliance that fits over your teeth to reposition your jaw while you sleep so that you, you know, can breathe all night long. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. And if you think you might be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, don’t wait to have it treated. ~Dr. Chai (a.k.a. Dr. Tooth!) 