Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Dr. Christine Tenaglia, an airway dentist serving the Lansing and Okemos areas, provides sleep apnea screenings to individuals who believe that they may have sleep apnea. Many people are reluctant to address their issue of chronic fatigue or snoring because they assume they will be required to wear an annoying CPAP machine that helps them breathe while sleeping. But Dr. Tenaglia shares that there’s a much easier way to manage sleep apnea. But first, she wants to share the dangers of untreated sleep apnea and why you shouldn’t put off getting screened for sleep-breathing disorders.
First, Dr. Tenaglia explains the warning signs of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea symptoms
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring while sleeping, although that’s not the only symptom to be aware of.
Other symptoms may include:
- Chronic daytime fatigue
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- GERD
- Memory problems
- High blood pressure
- Diminished sex drive
Who is at risk for sleep apnea?
Any individual of any age could be at risk of developing sleep apnea, even healthy individuals who maintain their weight. However, older individuals, and those that are overweight do have a higher risk of sleep-breathing disorders. But Dr. Tenaglia says it’s important to note that athletic and younger individuals could also be at risk. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to the warning signs of sleep apnea so that you can request an airway screening as soon as possible.
The connection between sleep apnea and the body
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep. This causes reduced oxygen to the lungs and lowers blood-oxygenation levels. Due to oxygen deprivation, the brain signals the body to wake only slightly, which breaks the deep sleep cycle required for your body. You may not be aware of these slight awakenings each night, but you could be experiencing as many as 100 or more a night, and you’re likely going to feel sleepy throughout the day.
As a result of reduced oxygen, the body invokes inflammatory responses that increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attack, blood clots, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers. Each of these diseases may have different risk factors, but they all share one commonality – inflammation. Aside from these serious health risks, sleep apnea also affects mood, causing mood disorders or depression, lowers the sex drive, causes weight gain, and could cause you to have a deadly car wreck or accident on the job, depending on your line of work.
Thankfully, there is an easy and convenient way to manage sleep apnea. Dr. Tenaglia recommends a custom oral appliance for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. She designs the oral appliance from impressions of your teeth and bite. Wearing the appliance while you sleep helps hold the lower jaw in proper alignment to facilitate an open airway, which helps you breathe better and increase blood-oxygenation.
How can I get a sleep apnea screening?
If you experience sleep apnea symptoms or want to know if you could be at risk for a sleep-breathing disorder, contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 to schedule a sleep apnea screening. If Dr. Tenaglia may recommend an official sleep study to obtain an official diagnosis. If that is the case for you, Dr. Tenaglia can collaborate with your sleep specialist to ensure you receive the case that you need.