Have you been told that you snore or wake up feeling less than rested in the morning? These are two of the most common signs of a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.
But there are also other related signs and symptoms that many patients struggle with for years before getting the right diagnosis and treatment for a sleep disorder. Look at the list below, and if you feel that you may have a sleep disorder impacting your overall health and quality of life, we welcome you to schedule a visit with Dr. Rosado and begin your journey to better health.
The quality of your nightly rest is very important to your overall health and wellness. Sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders can deprive you of restful, quality sleep and leave you feeling tired in the morning- not a good way to start your day.
Dr. Rosado offers treatment for sleep apnea and works with our patients to screen for the oral signs of sleep apnea. Addressing sleep apnea or snoring is important for your health and ability to enjoy your best quality of life. Sleep apnea can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension and can aggravate symptoms in existing diseases or conditions.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
There are identifiable symptoms and risk factors for sleep apnea. However, it is also important to mention any concerns about the quality of your sleep or if you snore. Key symptoms can include:
- Loud snoring or waking up gasping for breath
- Waking up still feeling tired or groggy
- Feeling irritable or having difficulty concentrating during the day
- Persistent dry mouth or scratchy throat in the morning
It is also important to be aware of common risk factors for sleep apnea, although it can affect anyone. If you are overweight, have a larger neck circumference, are male, or are over the age of 45, you can be at an increased risk for sleep disorders and sleep apnea. Smokers and patients with a family history of sleep problems should also consider themselves at risk and pay attention to sleep quality.
During your visit, Dr. Rosado will screen for the common oral signs of sleep apnea. He does this by checking your airway and surrounding tissues. He will also ask about your overall health and quality of rest each night. If you have concerns about your sleep or have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work with you to determine if our oral appliance therapy can offer a solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you stop sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but the good news is that there are effective ways to manage and reduce its symptoms. The first step in addressing sleep apnea is often lifestyle modification. This can include losing weight, as excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, which can relax throat muscles and worsen the condition.
For many individuals, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is a highly effective treatment. This device keeps the airway open by providing a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear while sleeping. For those who find CPAP uncomfortable, there are alternative options like oral appliances designed to keep the throat open. These are custom-made by dentists with specific expertise in sleep apnea treatment, such as Dr. Ariosto Rosado at Sun Smile Dentistry in Port Charlotte, FL.
In more severe cases, surgical options might be considered to remove or shrink tissue, reposition the jaw, or implant devices that help keep the airway open during sleep. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the severity of the condition and individual health needs.
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can have serious consequences for both your physical and mental health. One of the most immediate effects of untreated sleep apnea is chronic fatigue due to interrupted sleep. This can lead to daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of accidents, especially while driving.
Over time, the strain on your body can result in more severe health issues. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also exacerbate diabetes and lead to liver problems. Additionally, the condition can have detrimental effects on mental health, contributing to mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
The impact of sleep apnea extends beyond the individual, affecting relationships and overall quality of life. Snoring and frequent awakenings can disturb the sleep of partners, leading to tension and stress within households. Therefore, seeking treatment is essential not just for personal health but also for maintaining healthy relationships and a balanced lifestyle.
What can be mistaken for sleep apnea?
There are several conditions that can mimic the symptoms of sleep apnea, making it crucial to seek a professional diagnosis. Insomnia, for instance, is often confused with sleep apnea because both conditions result in poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. However, insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, whereas sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Chronic snoring is another condition frequently mistaken for sleep apnea. While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the disorder. Allergies or nasal obstructions can also cause snoring without the presence of sleep apnea.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) can also be confused with sleep apnea. These conditions involve involuntary movements during sleep, leading to disturbances and fatigue similar to those experienced by individuals with sleep apnea. A sleep study is often necessary to accurately diagnose sleep apnea and differentiate it from these and other similar conditions.
What is the main cause of sleep apnea?
The primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, is the relaxation of throat muscles during sleep. This relaxation leads to a narrowing or closing of the airway, which interrupts breathing. Several factors can contribute to this muscle relaxation and airway obstruction. Excess weight is a significant risk factor, as fat deposits around the neck can increase the likelihood of airway collapse.
Anatomical features can also play a role. A naturally narrow throat, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and a thick neck circumference can predispose individuals to sleep apnea. Additionally, age and gender are factors, with older adults and males being more likely to develop the condition.
Genetics can influence the likelihood of developing sleep apnea, as can lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, while alcohol relaxes the throat muscles. Understanding these causes is essential in both preventing and managing sleep apnea effectively.
Treating Sleep Apnea: oral appliance therapy
Dr. Rosado offers an alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms. It also helps those who are intolerant of it.
Oral appliance therapy involves using a custom appliance designed to support improved airway function. Fitted like a custom mouthguard, your sleep appliance will position the jaw and tongue. It minimizes the collapse of soft tissue into the airway.
You can breathe more easily and naturally while asleep. Oral appliance therapy supports improved overall health and reduces snoring or repeated “apneas” during the night when breathing stops. Dr. Rosado uses oral appliances from various top-ranked dental laboratories. We will work with you to determine what best suits your needs.
These oral appliances are customized to your mouth. We take digital dental impressions and send them to these labs to fabricate your appliance. Dr. Rosado will use our screening questionnaire to further evaluate your needs and related health concerns.