Many patients ask us if we have a treatment for snoring. The more we learn about the potential causes of snoring and its treatment, the more obvious it becomes that obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is a growing concern for our patients and their families. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that over 18 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep apnea. Over half a million people in the greater Chicago area are not getting the sleep they need to maintain their physical and mental health.
Sleep apnea occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to all your organs, including your heart and brain. People with sleep apnea may snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods. This can cause the body to wake up momentarily, but it happens so fast that you are unaware you woke up. This can happen hundreds of times a night, leaving you tired and unrefreshed when you wake.
Daytime Symptoms can include:
- Feeling tired when you wake
- General daytime sleepiness
- Mood disturbance, depression
- Fatigue
- Morning headache
- Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses
Nighttime symptoms can include:
- Chronic snoring
- Choking and breathing interruptions
- Waking up with a gasping sensation
- Nocturia
- Impotence
- Nocturnal sweats
People who suffer from sleep apnea have a much higher risk of stroke and heart problems, such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. They are also more likely to be involved in an accident at work or while driving.
If you regularly experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from Obstructive sleep apnea. Call Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center to make your appointment today!