Do you snore in your sleep? This could be a sign you have sleep apnea. While snoring may seem trivial, it is one sign of a bigger problem. In fact, the condition is more common than you would think. Approximately 22 million across the United States suffer from the disorder, with 80% of cases undiagnosed.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it’s vital to go in for tests and seek treatment. The condition can bring on other serious health issues. However, treatments for the disorder can help with symptoms and ensure future health complications are minimal.

young man snoring in bed

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while sleeping. As mentioned above, the most common sign of the condition is snoring. However, there are other symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up multiple times during the night
  • Insomnia

Another major sign of sleep apnea] is feeling tired and fatigued throughout the day. This restlessness can affect your mood. You can feel irritable and forget things.

Therefore, tiredness can harm your daily routine. It can spill over to your work and personal relationships. It’s also not safe operating a car or other motorized vehicles if you lack energy. One minor mistake due to lack of sleep can create a lifetime of suffering for you. It may affect other people, as well.

The Hidden Dangers Of Sleep Apnea

When you can’t get a good night’s sleep due to this condition, it has major effects on your overall health. As such, there are some hidden dangers with leaving this disorder undiagnosed. When not treated, sleep apnea increases the risk of other complications.

These include:

  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • Concentration issues
  • Depression
  • Cancer
  • Weight gain
  • Dementia

Lastly, patients with sleep apnea are likelier to pass away when they are young. This is usually due to heart complications.

The Importance Of Sleep Apnea Treatments

Firstly, you can avoid the worry of health complications by receiving a diagnosis. This will allow a sleep apnea dentist to place you on a treatment path. This will also ensure your disorder doesn’t worsen. There are a variety of options you can choose from.

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a treatment that was commonly used in the past. However, it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable, thanks to all the hook-ups attachments. Then, there’s that bulky mask you place over your face! Many people find it hard to fall asleep with a CPAP. Sometimes, people end up giving up on the machine altogether. As such, the user rate for a CPAP is low. At the end of the day, the best treatment is the one that will be used.

Many St. Louis dentists are recommending oral appliances for sleep apnea. They look like mouthguards and guarantee a better night’s sleep. In fact, these treatments are custom-made for your mouth. They are smooth plastic and feel much like a retainer. Oral appliances reposition your tongue and jaw to open up your airwaves during sleep. Wearing it while sleeping helps give you a good rest whenever you hit that pillow. Not to mention, your partner will thank you for it. While you may find it hard to get some solid shut-eye with sleep apnea, your bedmate also doesn’t appreciate your snoring. They’ll be happy for a good night’s rest, too!

Next Steps

If you notice any of the above sleep apnea signs, it’s a good idea to visit your physician. The first step is to book an appointment with your family doctor. There, they’ll be able to give you a sleep test. Finally, once you receive a diagnosis, the next thing you can do is visit your local dentist in St. Louis. The good news is, they can help you organize treatment to relieve your symptoms.

Looking For Sleep Apnea Treatments In St. Louis?

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Smile On Dental Studio is here to help. Once you get an official diagnosis, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our team. If you haven’t had a test yet, Dr. Chris Hill can happily evaluate your airways and refer you to a sleep lab or home sleep testing service. The test provides a complete analysis and diagnosis and will determine if sleep apnea is the cause of your snoring and other symptoms.

Call (314) 678-7876 today, to book a consultation. Stop waking up feeling exhausted and seek treatment for your snoring at Smile On Dental Studio. Our team can offer you an oral appliance to treat your sleep apnea and stop you from snoring for life. You’ll get a good night’s rest, and your family will, too!