Sleep Apnea
Wondering why you feel so tired, even though you slept? It may be from having sleep apnea, a type of sleep disorder that causes frequent breathing pauses. This condition isn’t just a nuisance, it can raise your risk of developing certain health problems and affect your quality of life. Our dental team offers treatment for sleep apnea in Chester, VA, to lower these risks.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Your airway needs to stay open to let air through while you breathe during sleep. But sleep apnea is a condition that prevents this from happening. It’s a common sleep disorder that can lead to serious issues if you leave it untreated.
What Are Sleep Apnea Signs?
Some possible signs you might have this condition include the following:
- Snoring loudly and frequently
- Feeling fatigued or extremely tired when you’re awake
- Gasping while sleeping
- Waking up with a headache and/or dry mouth
- Moodiness
- Trouble concentrating or handling other cognitive tasks
What Causes It?
Having a narrowed airway due to relaxed throat muscles during sleep causes interrupted breathing. Air passing through a restricted airway creates snoring noises and breathing pauses. You might have these airway issues if you have a narrow throat, excess weight, a family history of apnea, or other risk factors.
When to Seek Care
Are you having signs of sleep apnea? Have you been diagnosed with this condition? It’s important to get help managing it to reduce your risk of complications and improve your ability to function in your day-to-day life.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Traditional treatment for it involves using a CPAP machine to help your airway remain open while you sleep. But some people can’t use these machines, making other options a necessity. Other ways to manage sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes and oral appliances. In extreme cases, surgery or other procedures may be recommended.
Why See a Dentist for Apnea Treatment?
Our dentists can help you effectively get sleep apnea under better control to improve sleep quality and your overall well-being. We can provide custom-made oral appliances you wear while sleeping to ensure your airway stays open. This helps reduce apnea symptoms, including snoring and morning headaches.
Schedule an Appointment for Sleep Apnea Treatment Today!
Ready to get back to sleeping peacefully and feeling well-rested? Our dentists can help you manage sleep disorders that affect your breathing. At Commonwealth Family Dentistry, we offer treatment for sleep apnea in Chester, VA, including oral appliances to keep your airway open.