Sleep Apnea

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Snoring and chronic sleepiness are both indications that something could be seriously wrong with a person’s breathing during sleep, because they indicate an airway that is not completely open while sleeping. Snoring comes from air pressure within the body being forced through a narrow passageway. It’s a sign of a potentially dangerous sleep disorder called sleep apnea.

Why Is Sleep Apnea A Problem?

Sleep apnea requires careful attention and treatment because it’s a potentially life-threatening condition. If an air passage collapses during sleep, it can cause complete or partial blockage of the airway, interrupting sleep patterns. Symptoms of sleep apnea can include drowsiness during the day, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and depression. If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can result in high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, and possibly stroke. Other conditions that can arise from sleep apnea include eye problems like glaucoma, complications with medications and surgery, morning headaches, mood swings, memory problems, and nocturia (the need to urinate frequently at night).

Quick Facts About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

• Men are more likely than women to contract OSA (about twice as so)
• Men are diagnosed eight times as often as women
• This means that the demographic is drastically underdiagnosed
• Women are more likely to suffer from milder forms of OSA than severe
• The risk for OSA increases dramatically with pregnancy and menopause

If Any Of These Challenges Are Of Concern, Be Proactive About Your Health:

• Lack of sleep
• Trouble remembering things
• Paying attention during the day
• Experiencing fatigue or
• Having trouble staying awake during the day
• Snoring
• Headaches when waking up
• Tired all the time
• High blood pressure
• Teeth grinding

How Can Stevenson Family Dentistry Help?

Don’t be alarmed if you have found sleep apnea to be a problem for you. This condition affects millions of Americans. Here at Stevenson Family Dentistry, it’s our goal to be able to treat every patient troubled by this condition. Dr. Stevenson focuses on non-invasive procedures that can solve the condition before suggesting surgery.

The first step in treating sleep apnea is to contact us at (904) 268-4466 or send us an email. We’ll schedule a consultation and find a solution for you.