Too Exhausted to Smile?

Do you or a partner struggle to get a full night’s rest because of chronic, loud snoring? Do you feel like your quality of sleep is poor no matter what time you’re going to bed and waking up the next day? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder. You might be surprised to hear that a solution to your suffering could be waiting for you at Cornerstone Dentistry.

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Sleep Apnea Infographic

What is sleep apnea?

There are three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive, Central, or Mixed/Complex. Dr. Hardy is able to help treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is the most common form and relates to airway obstruction instead of communication barriers between the brain and breathing muscles. An apnea is an increment of time in which breathing is severely reduced or stops altogether. When this occurs during sleep, the time your body is supposed to be recovering and processing the events of your day, it can lead to serious and even deadly side-effects.

What are other signs
and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

While this list is extensive, it is not exhaustive. Keep in mind that you don’t have to experience all of them in order to indicate a problem.

  • Loud, chronic snoring.
  • Choking or gasping for air.

  • Repeated awakenings

  • Frequent urination.
  • Morning dry mouth, headaches, & migraines.
  • Insomnia or nightmares.
  • Depression & anxiety.
  • Chronic fatigue.
  • Daytime drowsiness.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Night sweats.

  • Decreased libido.

The following factors increase the likelihood of a sleep apnea diagnosis:

  • Sex – Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea.

  • Weight – Obesity puts a person at 4x the risk of airway obstruction.

  • Age – Even children can have sleep apnea, but the risk increases after the age of 40.

  • Narrow airway – An inherited trait, exacerbated by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

  • Alcohol, sedative, or tranquilizer use – Each of these substances relax your throat muscles.

  • Smoking – Increases your risk by 3x. Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in your airway.

  • Chronic nasal congestion – This could be due to allergies or an anatomical problem.