Do you often feel tired and irritable during the day, despite assuming you slept well the night before? If so, this could be a possible warning sign of sleep apnea, a serious disorder that can strain your heart health! The experts at our Tampa, FL, sleep center are talking about recognizing the possible symptoms of a serious sleep disorder, and taking action to improve your quality of life.
Daytime Exhaustion and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea causes soft tissues in the back of your mouth and in your throat to become too relaxed and then collapse, which cuts off airflow so you stop breathing briefly. The brain then registers the sudden drop in oxygen and allows you to resume breathing. These episodes can happen several times a night and while you may not remember them, this can leave you sleep deprived and exhausted. You could feel moody, have trouble concentrating on tasks at work or school, and could experience difficulties with your memory. We don’t want sleep apnea to cause trouble for your quality of life, so when these common symptoms arise, let us know.
Undergoing a Diagnosis
Our team will talk to you about your symptoms and your sleep routine, and then carefully examine your smile to look for signs of the disorder. We could also discuss an at-home sleep test, which is a device that is worn comfortably as you sleep in your own bed, and provides key information that a board-certified sleep physician can then interpret. Once we know you suffer from sleep apnea, we can offer a treatment option to help you rest without interruption!
A CPAP Alternative
While a CPAP machine can help, many people find the device cumbersome and loud, and may simply stop using it, allowing their sleep apnea to continue harming their overall quality of life. Which is why we provide an alternative in the form of an oral appliance, one worn as we rest. The device will be custom-fitted for your smile and be worn like a mouthguard. Once in place, this device then helps reposition the jaw, moving it and the tongue forward to ensure your airways remain open and free of obstruction, so you can breathe without difficulty and feel more rested and alert the next day. If you have any questions about how we improve your ability to sleep with a custom and convenient oral appliance, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Tampa, FL Dentist About Treating Your Sleep Issues
We want to help you avoid issues with your daily life due to a lack of sleep. For more information on how to recognize the warning signs of sleep disorders, call our Tampa, FL treatment office today at (813) 640-4086.