If you’re a chronic snorer who is also frequently exhausted, you should know those aren’t necessarily just the side effects of getting older. Sleep apnea is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed — but with effective treatment, you can enjoy a full night’s sleep once again. Learn more about sleep apnea in Los Alamitos from Dr. William C. Poe today!
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea makes sufferers stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. The soft tissues at the back of the throat become relaxed, and block the proper flow of breath through the airway. Deprived of oxygen, the brain sends out an emergency signal to wake the body up. Sufferers of sleep apnea may have their sleep interrupted hundreds of times in one night.
What causes obstructive sleep apnea? Weight plays a significant role — the condition is most common in overweight or obese adults. As rates of childhood obesity rise, sleep apnea is becoming more prevalent in younger patients, too.
In addition to weight, other risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Anatomical features that place pressure on the soft oral tissues during sleep: narrow throat, large neck circumference
- The use of sedatives or medications for insomnia or anxiety
- Heavy alcohol consumption or tobacco use, especially before bed
- A deviated septum or enlarged tonsils
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
So how can you tell if you have sleep apnea? First of all, note that it’s frequently a sleeping partner who identifies the issue. The sufferer may not remember a night full of loud snoring and fitful sleep, but anyone (not) sleeping nearby probably will.
Warning signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, disruptive snoring
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Waking with a dry or sore throat
- Chronic fatigue or exhaustion during the day
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
Seek a Diagnosis and Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Don’t ignore the symptoms of sleep apnea. Left untreated, the condition takes a real toll on an otherwise healthy body. New studies also show that sleepy drivers are actually more likely to crash than people who have been drinking.
If you suspect you or a loved one is dealing with sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. He or she will likely refer you to have a sleep test performed in a sleep clinic. If the results confirm that obstructive sleep apnea is the cause of your fatigue, see Dr. Poe for prompt treatment.
In Los Alamitos, sleep apnea therapy involves a removable oral appliance. It works by repositioning your jaw to keep your throat clear during the night. Oral appliance therapy may be especially effective for patients who are looking for a CPAP alternative — a treatment that can be more disruptive than the original sleep apnea symptoms.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have recently received a diagnosis for sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Poe’s office. You deserve to enjoy all the benefits of a refreshing night’s sleep, every single night — so let’s get started on your sleep apnea therapy right away! Request an appointment today.