Sleep Apnea
Is my Snoring a Problem? It might be Sleep Apnea!
Sure, the raspy noise of snoring is an annoying and inconvenient habit – but did you know that your snore can be more than just a bad alarm clock? It is estimated that over 50% of males and 30% of females may be affected by snoring. Snoring usually occurs when your airway constricts, causing air to be inhaled abnormally, thus causing a loud sound. Heavy snoring can be a sign of a more serious health problem called sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
At 16 Mile Dental, we know that sleep apnea is no laughing matter. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes your breathing to stop repeatedly while you sleep. These breathing pauses or “apneas” usually last 10 to 30 seconds and can happen many times throughout the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when your upper airway gets blocked during sleep. Relaxed throat muscles, a narrow airway, a large tongue or extra fatty tissue in the throat can block your airway. Untreated sleep apnea can be fatal – it increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It also contributes to learning and memory problems, poor job performance, depression and a higher risk for car crashes and accidents.
Signs of Sleep Apnea:
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Choking during sleep
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Gasping for air during sleep
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Fatigue
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Waking up tired or thirsty
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Restless limbs
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Lack of concentration
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Loud snoring
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High blood pressure
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Headaches (especially in the morning)
If you or anyone you know experiences one of the above symptoms, Dr. Sama is ready and eager to help in any way she can! The answer is simple – give us a call and you are on your way to a life changing experience!