Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Sleep apnea is an airway disorder that causes restricted or reduced airflow while sleeping. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms, but it isn’t the only thing pointing to sleep apnea. Additionally, it’s possible to have sleep apnea and not snore. Managing sleep apnea can be simple and doesn’t always require a CPAP machine, although obtaining a diagnosis for the condition is the first step in getting a more restful night’s sleep and breathing better. Dr. Christine Tenaglia offers airway screenings to determine a patient’s risk of sleep apnea and whether you may benefit from an official sleep study. However, some people are reluctant to see a doctor right off the bat. So today on the blog, we offer a self-assessment to help determine if you could be at risk of a sleep-breathing disorder. If you are at risk, consider scheduling an airway screening with Dr. Tenaglia right away.
Do you experience any of these symptoms associated with sleep apnea?
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Difficulty waking up or feeling like you never get enough sleep
- General fatigue
- Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
Do you wake during the night from a feeling that you’re choking or gasping for air?
Has your partner reported that you snore or pause breathing while you sleep?
Have you ever experienced any of these additional sleep apnea symptoms?
- Frequently waking during the night to use the bathroom
- Headaches upon waking up in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Decreased libido
- Irritability or mood swings
Which of these statements are true for you?
- Your body mass index is 30 or higher
- Your neck circumference is 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women
- Your jaw is recessed
- You have nasal polyps or a deviated septum
Which of these medical conditions do you have that are also present in individuals with sleep apnea?
- High blood pressure
- Mood disorders
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Type 2 diabetes
Have you ever had one of the following?
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Depending on your responses, if you have sleep apnea symptoms or medical conditions present in individuals with sleep apnea, you could be at risk of an airway disorder. However, the only way to know for certain if you have sleep apnea is to undergo an official sleep study. But you should not ignore your condition or symptoms because untreated sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and diabetes, as well as increased inflammation throughout the body, which is the precursor to many comorbidities that lead to an early death.
What should I do if I think I have sleep apnea?
Start by scheduling an airway screening with Dr. Tenaglia and she will determine whether you could benefit from an official sleep study. If sleep apnea is your confirmed diagnosis, Dr. Tenaglia offers a non-invasive way of managing your condition. An oral appliance is made from custom impressions of your mouth and teeth for a comfortable yet snug fit. The goal of an oral appliance is to open your airway while sleeping to increase airflow and blood oxygenation throughout your body. Better breathing means improved sleep quality!
Airway Screenings in Lansing, East Lansing, and Okemos, Michigan
Tenaglia Smiles makes sleep apnea screenings in Okemos simple and painless. Start by calling Dr. Tenaglia at (517) 347-6733 to schedule your screening today. Dr. Tenaglia provides collaborative care for your condition so that you can live a healthier life and experience restful sleep.