San Francisco and Marin CA
Do you snore? Do you constantly feel fatigued, even after going to bed early? Do you have any issues remaining focused at work or in school? If you or a member of your family is experiencing any of these symptoms, then obstructive sleep apnea could be the cause.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep breathing disorder, which occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked while a person sleeps. These blockages can be partial or complete, but every time one happens, the flow of air becomes restricted or completely cut off. The body and brain react as if a person is choking to death, disrupting the sleep cycle and even interrupting breathing.
A person with a severe case of sleep apnea can experience these blockages hundreds of times during a given night.
Consequences of lost sleep
Every individual needs proper sleep to restore his or her mind and body. A patient with sleep apnea does not experience this restorative sleep.
Over time, the absence of quality sleep can lead to the following problems or conditions:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Irritability or mood swings
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of libido or impotence
- Weight gain
- Poor performance at work or school
- Overall decline in physical health
The perils of undiagnosed sleep apnea
Many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed. If a person has sleep apnea and it goes untreated, it greatly increases the risk factor of certain serious, chronic and even life-threatening health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and cognitive decline.
Sleep Apnea Dentists
At Glen Park Dental we can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea. That means our staff has special training to diagnose sleep apnea, through an airway evaluation and the application of a sleep study. We also can treat the disorder by addressing its root issue—the airway—by prescribing an oral appliance that keeps the lower jaw in the ideal forward resting position, maintaining an open airway while you sleep and preventing blockages.
Get help today!
If you have sleep apnea, this is not a problem that will go away on its own. You must be diagnosed and treated by a trained professional. Loud snoring is considered the major warning sign of sleep apnea. If you experience that, especially in combination with any of the symptoms listed above, then contact our office today at (415) 585-1500 to schedule an appointment.
Glen Park Dental provides comprehensive, compassionate, quality oral health care for patients in the areas of San Francisco and Marin California.
