Sleep apnea could be affecting your day and many times, there is a simple solution to get you the rest you need!

Sleep apnea is a medical disorder which causes your breathing to stop for a few seconds several times during the night. There are two types of sleep apnea:
1. Central sleep apnea (CSA) – breathing muscles do not receive necessary information from the brain, and should be treated by your doctor.
2. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – soft tissues in the mouth over-relax and block proper airflow while lying down.

Frankel Dentistry is staffed with trained experts that can treat OSA, the most common form of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

  • Common nighttime symptoms of OSA:
  • Loud and chronic snoring
  • Gasping for air
  • Restlessness
  •  Longer than normal pauses between breaths

Daytime symptoms that may indicate sleep apnea:

  • Waking in the morning with a headache, dry mouth, or sore throat
  • Excessive sleepiness during the day
  • Mood changes including depression or anger
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea could be linked to a family history of the disorder or a genetic factor such as narrow airways. Allergies or chronic congestion can also be culprits. The leading risk factors for OSA include:

  • Being over your ideal weight
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Narcotic or excessive sleep aid use
  • Use of tobacco products
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes

Sleep apnea is more common in men than in women, and the risks increase with age. However, anyone can suffer from sleep apnea. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should discuss them with a doctor as soon as possible, because if left untreated, the consequences of sleep apnea can be severe: significant cognitive disruptions, as well as increasing your risk for hypertension, heart disease, and other serious medical conditions.

We at Frankel Dentistry want to help your overall health. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or are genetically pre-disposed to developing Sleep Apnea please schedule a consultation with us today. We love to see you smile ¬– let us help you get rid of the sleepiness behind your smile.