Sleep Apnea
 Have you ever heard of sleep apnea? If you haven’t, we need to take a few minutes to educate you. Sometimes, you may find out that you have sleep apnea because your partner pokes you in your sleep for the millionth time and tells you to stop snoring. You might also know that you wake up several times in the middle of the night, and you are exhausted. If you think you might have sleep apnea, let BayView Dentalgive you more information on sleep apnea.
What It Is
Sleep apnea is one of several sleep disorders. Like other sleep disorders, it does not allow you to sleep throughout the night. Sleep apnea is caused by excess tissue at the back of your throat. The excess tissue prevents you from breathing for a few seconds, over and over again. Your body, acting on instinct, constantly wakes you up all through the night. Because you wake up throughout the night, your body never really rests, which means that you are exhausted - even though you think you slept. Sleep apnea can cause serious problems throughout your body.
What Are the Warning Signs for Sleep Apnea?
Several warning signs are present that increase the chances you have sleep apnea. First, if you are obese or overweight, you are at greater risk for sleep apnea. Scientists think you are at a greater risk if you are obese because you have more flesh at the back of your throat. If your neck is larger than 17 inches around, you are also at a higher risk for sleep apnea. If you sleep for 10 hours or longer, and you wake up exhausted, that is a warning sign for the disease. You may also have headaches every morning when you wake up. Snoring is also a warning sign. Your partner might also tell you that you gasp for air during the night. If you have any warning signs for sleep apnea, you need to see a medical professional.
What’s the Big Deal?
While lack of sleep is annoying no matter how old you are, sleep apnea can be dangerous. Usually, sleep apnea is hiding a bigger problem. If you don’t get treated for sleep apnea, it can contribute to high blood pressure, or make your high blood pressure worse. You are also more prone to getting heart disease if you have sleep apnea. You are prone to diabetes as well if you have sleep apnea, and it makes asthma or acid reflux worse.
If you think you have sleep apnea, give BayView Dental a call at one of our 7 convenient locations. We would love to talk to you about treatment options for sleep apnea. There are several different treatment options that are ready for you to try, and the sooner you try treatment, the sooner you will be getting a great night’s sleep for the first time in a long time. Why not give us a call today and let us make you an appointment to talk about your symptoms of sleep apnea.
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