When you wake up in the morning (or after you have stirred around for a bit), do you feel rested and energized — or sleepy and irritable? If it’s the latter, it may not be that you’re just not a morning person. Low-quality sleep caused by sleep apnea can take a toll on your overall quality of life. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the symptoms of this condition in order to receive the sleep apnea treatment in Columbus that could help. Keep reading to learn about the symptoms of sleep apnea to ensure you or your loved one gets treatment sooner, rather than later!
What to Look Out For
The warning signs of sleep apnea may go unrecognized for months or even years. That’s because they can resemble those associated with other conditions affecting sleep. Additionally, a sleep apnea sufferer may not recognize their own shallow wake-slumber cycle — it is often a partner that first realizes there is an issue that requires professional intervention.
Make sure you watch out for the following symptoms of sleep apnea to get treatment ASAP. The warning signs include:
- Chronic snoring that is loud enough to disturb a partner
- Waking with a start after a long pause of not breathing
- Waking up in the morning with a sore or dry throat
- Nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Waking frequently to urinate
- Exhaustion or fatigue during the day
- Difficulty completing daily tasks
- Feeling like you need to drink lots of coffee to stay awake most days
- Daytime confusion
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
One of the chief warning signs of sleep apnea is the chronic snoring that occurs as a result of the blocked airway. However, not all snoring is the kind that indicates sleep apnea. We all experience this noisy nighttime occurrence from time to time — but the problematic sort of snoring is that which happens every single night and is loud enough to wake up a partner or anyone sleeping nearby. If you or a loved one experience this type of disruptive snoring, do not hesitate to find out whether you require treatment by seeking a diagnosis.
Treatment Can Help
If you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, don’t fret — that just means a solution is in sight. Visiting a sleep dentist will allow you to get started on the most effective treatment right away. Often, the solution is found in a removable oral appliance. This is a customized device that works by pulling the lower jaw into the proper position, preventing its collapse and keeping your airway clear throughout the night.
No matter the answer for your sleep apnea, the key is finding a diagnosis as soon as possible. That’s the best way to feel better day to day and also enjoy better overall health with a full night’s sleep!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Eric Buck at The Columbus Sleep Center offers excellence in sleep dentistry. A member of the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry, Dr. Buck stays up-to-date on the latest advances in the field to offer patients the highest level of care possible. To discuss how to improve your sleep with sleep apnea treatment, go ahead and call the office at 614-956-9305.