Getting enough quality sleep improves concentration, builds a strong immune system, and results in a better mood throughout the day. Sleep restores your energy and allows your brain to process the events of the day. If a sleep disorder has stolen your zzzs, it has undoubtedly negatively impacted your overall health.
Besides how unpleasant it feels to have your sleep disrupted, it can take a toll on your overall health. If your mind and body are chronically deprived of restful sleep, you can experience:
- Brain fog & memory problems
- Fatigue & daytime sleepiness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Heart problems
- Irritability & mood swings
- Anxiety & depression
Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by multiple pauses in breathing as you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. This happens when your upper airway becomes obstructed, which prevents air from passing to your lungs during sleep. Your airway can become partially or completely blocked by large tonsils, excessive soft tissue, fat deposits, and relaxation of the muscles that support the tongue and soft palate.
Do I Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Since OSA occurs while you are asleep, it can be challenging to know whether or not you are experiencing it without the help of a professional team. Sometimes patients think that they only have sleep apnea if they snore. While snoring can be associated with sleep apnea, there are several other warning signs of OSA, including:
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Abrupt awakenings during sleep
- Chronic headaches
At Spring Lake Oral Surgery, we offer oral appliance therapy to help patients with obstructive sleep apnea sleep soundly. We also offer family-friendly, comprehensive dentistry and a variety of payment options to make visiting the dentist convenient and affordable! Contact us today to learn more.