Are you regularly accused of snoring so loudly at night that it keeps your bed partner awake? Do you ever find yourself exhausted by the afternoon? Do frequently find it hard to focus and concentrate on your daily tasks? Do you ever wake up with headaches? If you answered yes to any of these scenarios, did you know you might suffer from sleep apnea? Dr. Renee Corbitt, your dentist in Fort Worth, discusses the dangers of sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing at night. This is typically due to an obstructed airway, and the lack of oxygen signals your brain to wake you up even though you may not even realize you’re waking. This can happen multiple, even hundreds of times during the night in some cases, resulting in your body not getting the rejuvenating rest that it needs.
Sleep apnea greatly affects the quality of your life, and many patients find it difficult to perform their daily tasks due to the lack of rest. If it’s left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to a number of other health concerns such as high blood pressure, an increased risk of stroke and heart failure.
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea can be difficult for you to diagnose on your own, a telltale sign is loud snoring throughout the night. You may wake with a choke or a cough. Difficulties with focus, concentration, and chronic fatigue are signs of sleep apnea, as well as frequent headaches or migraines.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Sleep apnea is treated differently for each patient, and also depends on the severity of your condition. Many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea will benefit from an oral appliance that Dr. Corbitt can customize. The oral appliance is comfortable and easy for patients to wear at night while they sleep. It’s designed to slightly reposition the jaw forward and open the airway for free breathing.
Patients with severe sleep apnea may need CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy, which is delivered through a mask worn at night during sleep. Sometimes a combination of both CPAP and an oral appliance are beneficial. Dr. Corbitt is happy to partner with your primary physician to ensure that you’re receiving the best treatment for your needs.
Contact Dr. Corbitt
Sleep apnea in Fort Worth is a serious condition, so if you suspect that you or a loved one might suffer from it we encourage you to contact our office right away to learn how Dr. Corbitt can help you.