Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much while the patient is asleep. These muscles block off the patient’s airway, requiring them to wake up just enough to resume breathing again. These nightly episodes can lead to a very poor quality of sleep and many noticeable and life-altering symptoms.
Loud Snoring
Not everyone who snores loudly has sleep apnea, but it is among the most common sleep apnea symptoms. If your snoring is frequently interrupted with periods of silence, that is a key indicator that your breathing is being interrupted throughout the night. If you know that you snore loudly, seeking sleep apnea treatment can not only lead to a better quality of sleep for you but for the people around you as well!
Chronic Fatigue
If you find that you constantly feel exhausted regardless of how much sleep you get, it may be that the quality of sleep that you are receiving is not up to par. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to patients waking up ever so slightly dozens of times throughout the night. This means that the patient never gets to a deep level of sleep, leading to chronic exhaustion.
Waking Up with a Dry or Sore Throat
Patients with sleep apnea often sleep with their mouths open. This is because they are struggling to breathe while asleep. Breathing through the mouth can make it easier to get more consistent airflow. This can cause the patient’s throat to feel very dry or even sore in the mornings. It’s also a big sign that chronic snoring and/or sleep apnea is occurring.
Brain Fog, Mood Swings & Irritability
When you are constantly fatigued, it can have a big impact on your daily brain function and mood. Not getting adequate sleep can lead to difficulties with recalling memories and performing simple tasks in your head. It can also lead patients to feel very irritable, even when they don’t have much of a reason to be.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Santa Teresa, NM & El Paso, TX
Are you tired of feeling exhausted and irritable? Our Santa Teresa Smiles dental team provides sleep apnea treatment using custom oral appliances. Before treatment can begin, it’s necessary to undergo a sleep study and get a diagnosis from a sleep doctor. Contact one of our offices today for more information.
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