Snoring or Sleep Apnea? Knowing the Difference Can Save Your Health
Why Does Snoring Occur?
What is Sleep Apnea?
Individuals with sleep apnea won’t fully awaken when their breathing stops. Due to the disruption to their sleep, they may sleep lightly and lack deep, restorative sleep that’s essential for optimal health.
When left untreated, sleep apnea puts you at a higher risk of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
- Sore or dry throat when you wake up
- Restless sleep
- Choking or gasping during the night
- Chest pain while you sleep
- Loud snoring that disrupts your partner
- Daytime sleepiness, even when you’ve had ample rest
- Breathing pauses during your sleep
- Headaches
- Problems concentrating or focusing during the day
- Low libido
- Unexplained irritability and depression
Several risk factors make you more likely to experience sleep apnea, like being overweight, having a family history of sleep apnea, experiencing acid reflux, or having a nasal obstruction or deviated septum.
Options for Treating Sleep Apnea
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is prescribed for more severe cases of sleep apnea. Many individuals find it difficult to comfortably sleep when using a CPAP machine.
Another less invasive alternative is an oral appliance. We can create a custom oral appliance that keeps your airway open so that your body gets enough oxygen.
Get Help for Your Sleep Apnea
If you have signs of sleep apnea or are concerned that your snoring is interfering with your health, contact Soothing Dental to learn more about oral appliances for sleep apnea. If you need a dentist in San Francisco or Sunnyvale, you’ve come to the right place.