Many people have experienced the notion of being tired throughout the day, whether indicating signs of fatigue or even falling asleep during usual daytime activities. Maybe you experience chronic snoring as well that seems to startle you from your slumber throughout the night. While these may seem like normal phenomena, the fact of the matter is that if you are experiencing these conditions even after receiving a full night’s rest, there may be another underlying issue that could be related to your oral health. With this in mind, your Houston, TX dentist at SleepWell Houston may be able to shed some light on why this is occurring and how it may be related to sleep apnea.
How it Drags You Down
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially dangerous disorder in which the throat muscles relax and cause breathing to periodically stop and start. When these muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes when you breathe in. This then alerts your brain of an issue, which causes you to stir and briefly rouse so you can open your airway once more. The consistent rousing throughout the night, even after receiving a full eight hours, causes your body to experience fatigue and exhaustion because it has been at work for a continued period of time. This results in morning headaches, dry mouth, irritability, difficulties paying attention, and ore throughout the day.
In addition to the results of OSA, other common indicators include loud or chronic snoring, gasping for air throughout the evening, periodic episodes of stopped breathing, insomnia, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your provider immediately.
Potential Risk Factors
While OSA can affect anyone at any given age, including children, the elderly, and everyone in-between, there are additional risk factors that could contribute to sleep apnea. These factors include being overweight, family history, medical history, use of alcohol or other substance, tobacco usage, a narrowed airway, and more. For more information on the potential risk factors and how you can prevent developing the disorder, contact our office today.
Future Complications
Waking up exhausted from a restless night is never preferable, and complications can actually arise due to it. Not only will you face difficulties in your daytime function, but you can develop health problems as well, including high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, metabolic syndrome, and even complications with medications and surgery. To avoid these issues, it is imperative you reach out to your dentist to learn about your options, including potential oral appliances and their effects.
Meet with Us Today
For more information on OSA and your options for treatment, contact SleepWell Houston in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 today.
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