Having trouble sleeping through the night?
Does your partner wake you up due to loud snoring?
If so, sleep apnea might be the cause.
While a couple symptoms aren’t enough to diagnose sleep apnea, it’s important to take a sleep test so you’ll know for certain whether you have the condition. Avoiding bigger problems down the road is simple once you get the treatment you need. Read about what sleep apnea is like and the issues you can avoid with treatment.
What’s it Like to Suffer From Sleep Apnea?
Simon had noticed that his sleep hasn’t been fulfilling and that he’s extra tired when he wakes up. Of course, this doesn’t prevent him from starting his day, but since he’s not feeling fully-charged, daily tasks are more difficult. To make matters worse, he’s feeling more sluggish and irritable at home and he’s enjoying his job less each day. Finally, his partner told Simon that he may be suffering from sleep apnea, a disorder that interrupts breathing during sleep. After confirming with a sleep test, he began treatment for the disorder immediately.
Seek Treatment Before Symptoms Get Worse!
Committed to taking control of his disorder, Simon took the sleep test and found out he had sleep apnea. Fortunately, his doctor offered multiple kinds of treatment, and Simon left his office with an oral appliance later that week. With a new motivation to lose weight and quit smoking, Simon was well on his way to overcoming his sleep apnea and restoring his ability to rest.
The Problems that Stem from Untreated Sleep Apnea
As with Simon’s story above, sleep apnea is a disorder that starts small and grows steadily over time. Fortunately, there is a lot that individual patients can do to fight their sleep apnea symptoms, and treatment methods are available. That means that although sleep apnea can lead to strokes, heart problems, and death, you can avoid those problems by seeking help early.
Speak to Our Sleep Specialist at Ralhan Dental
Did you know that dentists are often the ones who treat patients with sleeping disorders? This is especially the case when they’re a sleep specialist like Dr. Ralhan. With many hours spent training, observing, and treating patients for their sleeping disorders, Dr. Anil Ralhan is respected as an expert in the Ontario area. Plus, never content to keep prescribing traditional treatments, our Ontario dentist stays up to date on the latest and most advanced treatment methods. Visit Dr. Ralhan in Oakville or Burlington for a consultation.
Call Today 905-257-3368
Let Dr. Ralhan Join Your Fight Against Sleep Apnea
With our experienced doctor and friendly, professionally-trained staff, Ralhan Dental is the optimal place to get treatment for sleep apnea, especially if you live near Ontario. Whether one of the several oral appliances will help or another innovative treatment option is ideal, Dr. Ralhan will assess your needs and choose the perfect treatment plan for you. We take pride in watching patients leave with a new ability to rest throughout the night. Contact Ralhan Dental today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sleep apnea?
There are many factors that can cause sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blocked airway. Your airway can be obstructed by a variety of different objects, including parts of your own mouth.
Factors such as obesity, genetics, and physical obstructions like a small airway or enlarged tonsils can also impact your ability to breathe in your sleep.
What increases your risk of sleep apnea?
While maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and refraining from smoking and drinking may help improve your sleep apnea, proper diagnosis and treatment can only successfully overcome your disorder.
What are common symptoms of sleep apnea?
The most common signs associated with sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Irritability
- Daytime drowsiness
- Memory loss
- Pauses of breath at night
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
What if I suspect I have sleep apnea?
If you or your partner suffer from extreme snoring, fatigue, or have trouble sleeping, it may be a clear warning you have sleep apnea. In order to receive a proper diagnosis, you must see a certified sleep specialist who will conduct a sleep study before seeking any treatments.
Can sleep apnea go away naturally?
While making some lifestyle changes might help improve your sleep apnea, in many cases this dangerous disorder won’t go away without treatment. In conjunction with your treatment, improving your overall health and lifestyle habits can be a crucial step in preventing further troubles breathing in your sleep.
How long is a sleep study?
A sleep study is typically completed at night, during a full 8-10 hours of your sleep. Due to the continuous interruptions of sleep apnea, it’s important to record your sleep for at least six hours to ensure good footage is received of your deepest sleep.
What happens if I don't treat my sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can have dangerous and risky consequences. Sleep apnea has been related to a variety of health complications including:
- High blood pressure
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Irregular heartbeats