Sleep Apnea: When Sleeping Leaves You Tired

If you are continuously waking up in the morning with headaches or  feeling as if you haven’t slept well, it is possible that sleep apnea may be affecting your ability to rest.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is decreased or completely interrupted while you sleep, sometimes as much as a hundred times a night. It is often associated with snoring, but not all snorers have it. The most common form of sleep apnea, OTA  (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) happens when your muscles relax and create an obstruction in your throat. It can also be caused by sinus issues or a deviated septum that keeps you from breathing well.

You may be at risk of sleep apnea if you are:

• Overweight
• Male
• Over 40
• Have a family history of apnea
• Have a large tongue or tonsils
• Have GERD or acid reflux
• Have sinus issues, allergies, or nasal obstruction

Often, your sleep partner is the first to tell you that there may be a problem. And, a serious problem it is. Untreated sleep apnea can put your life at risk and lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heat attack or failure
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Headaches
• Poor performance due to tiredness
• Accidents caused by drowsiness

Let us know if you are concerned about not having restful sleep. We can evaluate you for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and upper airway resistance.

If it is determined you may have a breathing disorder we will refer you for a sleep study and have the results evaluated by an MD. If you are a candidate for an oral sleep apnea device, we can fabricate one for you.

You deserve restful sleep and the health it can provide. Do not hesitate to contact us if you feel snoring or breathing issues while you sleep may be a problem.

KN Dentistry (714) 633-2562 Orange, CA