Have you ever heard of obstructive sleep apnea? This disorder impacts millions of people and can lead to daytime drowsiness and more. We want to make sure you know the common risk factors and symptoms, so you know when to seek care. The experts at our Tampa, FL, sleep center talk about the common causes of sleep apnea.
Common Risk Factors
What leaves you at a high risk for sleep apnea? While it can impact people of all ages and genders, men 55 and older tend to have a higher risk. Other factors include a large neck circumference, obesity, sinus and allergy issues, deviated septum, and issues with the growth of your jaw and oral structures. Excessive alcohol consumption before bed could be a factor, as could resting on your back. As part of your treatment, our team will assess your symptoms and risk factors, so we can plan treatment with precision and help you enjoy a good night’s rest again.
Warning Signs
With sleep apnea, while you rest the soft tissues in the throat or the back of the mouth will become too relaxed and then collapse, which cuts off airflow. You stop breathing until the brain registers this and wakes you to resume. But you may not remember this happening, even though it interrupts your sleep cycle multiple times a night. Warning signs include chronic snoring, waking suddenly gasping for air or choking, dry mouth, daytime drowsiness, moodiness, and issues with your memory or ability to concentrate. When you exhibit one or more of these common warning signs, please reach out to our team for treatment.
Starting Treatment
We will start with a few assessment questions, and we may recommend an at-home sleep test to accurately measure your sleep apnea episodes. We then offer a CPAP alternative in the form of an oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard does, but is custom-fitted for your smile, so it is comfortable and helps shift your jaw to keep airways open and free of obstruction. The device is easy to use and clean, and can travel with you as needed too. You can also help by keeping your bedroom dark and cool, sleeping on your side, and avoiding excessive alcohol before bed. Try to avoid screens in the hour before bed too!
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat concerns like snoring and sleep apnea, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Tampa, FL Dentist About Sleep Issues
Our team wants to help you rest without interruption using a comfortable oral appliance. For more information on how we treat sleep disorders, call our Tampa, FL treatment office today at (813) 640-4086.