Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Millions of Americans fail to get the sleep quality they want and need every day. Unfortunately, many people who snore or struggle with mini-waking episodes during sleep could have a more advanced condition requiring medical intervention called sleep apnea. In many cases, the throat and jaw relax, which causes soft tissues to collapse and block the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA could be a life-threatening condition if left untreated. Therefore, our Okemos sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia of Tenaglia Smiles, shares on the blog today eight surprising signs of sleep apnea so that you can seek treatment before the condition becomes severe.
Snoring
The most obvious and common sleep apnea symptom is snoring. However, many people snore occasionally because of allergy season or the common cold. However, chronic or loud snorers may suffer from a sleep-breathing disorder. Dr. Tenaglia explains that your snoring sounds change as it relates to your sleep apnea condition.
Dry Mouth
OSA can be challenging to diagnose in some patients. However, a key sign that you may suffer from OSA is a dry mouth and sore throat upon waking. When people snore, they breathe in through their mouth, which creates dry and irritated conditions. Not only are the dry conditions not good for oral tissues, but they also increase bacterial production that can harm tooth enamel and gums.
Headaches
Starting your day with a headache can put a damper on your focus and ability to keep up with your schedule. Morning headaches can be a side effect of sleep apnea as not enough oxygen reaches the brain while sleeping because the body continuously wakes up. Our Lansing sleep apnea dentist explains that low oxygen levels may cause widened blood vessels that lead to vascular headaches.
Daytime Sleepiness
Daytime sleepiness is often the reason why people look for an afternoon “pick-me-up” or caffeine fix. Whether you forget things or struggle with concentrating on everyday tasks, sleep deprivation brought on by sleep apnea could be the cause. Sleep deprivation occurs when your airway becomes obstructed by the tongue or soft tissues, and your brain wakes your body to resume breathing. In severe sleep apnea cases, the interruptions can occur hundreds of times within an hour, and the individual may never gain consciousness during the process.
Jaw Clenching
It’s common for patients who are under a tremendous amount of stress to clench and grind their teeth, a condition called bruxism. The intense pressures generated by clenching and grinding your teeth can severely weaken or damage your teeth and jaw. Unfortunately, there are lifestyle choices that can connect sleep apnea and bruxism, like a misaligned bite, smoking, or being overweight.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a condition that affects people differently and has many forms. However, sleep loss or inadequate sleep could result in cognitive issues that increase stress levels. In many cases, patients can drink a caffeinated beverage to wake up, but too many beverages with high sugar content or caffeine could increase anxiety. Therefore, our East Lansing sleep apnea dentist explains that moderation is best for caffeine consumption when fighting anxiety-induced sleep deprivation. And avoid consuming sugary or caffeinated beverages too late in the day or close to bedtime.
Weight Gain
Your weight and sleep apnea conditions directly relate to one another. Overweight individuals are at a higher risk for developing sleep apnea, and once established, can make it challenging to lose weight. However, when you establish a healthy diet and exercise plan, you should see changes in your body and sleep quality. Lastly, when your body fails to get adequate rest, it could impact your metabolism and slow your fat-burning process down significantly.
Chronic Health Issues
Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea may result in developing other harmful health conditions. For example, some health risks may include acid reflux, high blood pressure, gum disease, tooth loss, heart disease, and result in patients that are more likely to develop certain cancer types. Therefore, it’s vital to get a sleep apnea screening in Lansing if you exhibit common signs of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe. Your treatment plan can reduce adverse health impacts caused by sleep apnea and help you reclaim energy and vivaciousness due to your improved sleep quality. If you or your partner struggle with chronic fatigue, feel free to schedule a sleep apnea screening at our Okemos dental office, Tenaglia Smiles. Please call us at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online today.