Snoring, it’s often the butt of jokes, a common late-night annoyance. But what if your snoring is more than just a disruptive noise? What if it’s a sign of a potentially serious medical condition called sleep apnea?
You might be surprised to learn that sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can have significant impacts on your overall health. If you live in or around Milton-Freewater and suspect you might have sleep apnea, seeking help from a qualified sleep apnea dentist is crucial.
What is Sleep Apnea, and Why Should You Care?
4 Seasons Dental explains that sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and block your airway. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that’s constantly being pinched shut. That’s what it feels like for someone with sleep apnea.
These breathing pauses can happen dozens, even hundreds, of times a night, disrupting your sleep and preventing you from getting the restorative rest your body needs. This constant disruption leads to a cascade of potential health problems, making understanding the dangers of sleep apnea critical.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea: More Than Just Tiredness
Sleep apnea dentist Dr. Todd Schroeder explains that the effects of sleep apnea go far beyond just feeling tired in the morning. While daytime fatigue is a common symptom, OSA can contribute to a range of serious health issues, including:
- Cardiovascular problems: OSA increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms.
- Metabolic issues: It can contribute to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.
- Mental health problems: OSA is linked to depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
- Accidents: Daytime sleepiness increases your risk of accidents, especially while driving.
Ignoring sleep apnea can have severe consequences. That’s why seeking diagnosis and treatment is so important.
Finding Help: Your Milton-Freewater Sleep Apnea Dentist
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, consulting with a sleep apnea dentist is a vital first step. Dr. Todd Schroeder and his team at this Milton-Freewater dentist’s office are experienced in treating sleep apnea. They can help you understand your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your sleep and overall health.
What Can a Sleep Apnea Dentist Do For You?
A sleep apnea dentist can offer several treatment options, including oral appliances. These custom-made devices fit over your teeth and help to keep your airway open during sleep. They are often a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP machines, especially for mild to moderate OSA.
Don’t let snoring be something you simply tolerate and schedule an appointment in Milton-Freewater today.