Did you know that an estimated 1 out of every 4 adults in the U.S. has sleep apnea? You probably associate this common condition with snoring and restless nights, but there’s much more at stake! In fact, sleep apnea in Bartlesville contributes to high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and heart attacks. Some doctors have said that sleep apnea triples a person’s risk of early death. Thankfully, there are simple, non-invasive treatments that reduce all of these risks, but the first step is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Since Sleep Apnea Awareness Week is this month from March 10th through March 16th, it’s the perfect time to get information that just might save your life!
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Two of the most common signs of sleep apnea occur while you’re sleeping, so they can only be reported by another person: loud snoring and episodes where you periodically stop breathing or gasp for breath.
Here are some other common symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Persistently waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Daytime sleepiness or lack of energy
- Difficulty paying attention at work or school
- Mood disorders such as depression and irritability
- Weight gain
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to get tested. This way, you’ll either rule out sleep apnea or get the treatment you need to stay healthy and well-rested.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed and Treated?
The first step is scheduling a consultation with a dentist who provides sleep apnea treatment. After discussing your symptoms and doing an exam, they can refer you for a sleep study for a possible diagnosis.
For many years, the only treatment options were a CPAP machine or surgery but, today, people have choices that are much less-invasive. A dentist in Bartlesville can make custom-made oral appliances that are very effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
These appliances are lightweight, portable, and much easier to tolerate than a CPAP machine. They work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to open the airway at night.
Sleep apnea has serious consequences to your health, energy levels, and overall quality of life. But, with the right diagnosis and treatment, it can be well-managed so you can stay healthy and rest easy at night!
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin is a family dentist with 13 years of experience and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He knows that sleep apnea can have dangerous effects on his patients’ overall health and is excited to offer oral appliances that reduce these risks. If you have any other questions about sleep apnea in Bartlesville, he can be contacted via his website.