Do I Suffer from Sleep Apnea?
Are you struggling with a groggy feeling after a night’s sleep or a lack of concentration at work or school? You may be dealing with sleep apnea. Dr. Stephen Ura, our sleep apnea dentist, can identify and treat this condition.
Discover how sleep apnea affects your health and explore effective treatments at the Center for Dental Sleep Health in Nashua, NH. Schedule an appointment by calling our Nashua, NH, dental practice at (603) 237-1124
Sleep Apnea and Its Types
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. If you’re experiencing daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or loud snoring, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. There are several types of sleep apnea, such as:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by airway blockage
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to signal breathing muscles
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A rare combination of OSA and CSA
Genetic Risk Factors for OSA
Many of the key risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea are genetic, meaning you were born with them. Some of the most significant genetic risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Small lower jaw (this can lead to TMJ disorder)
- Male gender
- Large tonsils
- Post-menopausal
- Hypothyroidism (abnormally low activity of the thyroid gland)
- Acromegaly (abnormal growth of the hands, feet, and face)
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Body
Sleep apnea results in significant oxygen deprivation. Over time, this takes a major toll on your health. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with many harmful conditions, including:
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Cancer
Other side effects people suffer from with this sleep condition include:
- Daytime drowsiness and fatigue
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Sleep deprivation
- Dry mouth and throat
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
Sleep Apnea & Your Well-Being
Your sleep apnea is too dangerous to ignore, so you shouldn’t wait for it to seriously damage your health before you get your diagnosis. A sleep test can be administered at a sleep center, but Dr. Ura can provide you with an at-home sleep test for convenience. That way, a qualified sleep physician can diagnose your sleep apnea and prescribe a suitable course of treatment.
If you think you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, contact Dr. Ura at the Center for Dental Sleep Health today. We feature real solutions for sleep apnea, including our custom-made oral appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lifestyle changes help improve sleep apnea?
Yes, certain lifestyle modifications can significantly impact sleep apnea symptoms. These include:
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back
- Quitting smoking
What causes airway obstruction?
There are various causes for an obstructed airway. Some of them are out of your control. Factors such as obesity and physical traits, such as an enlarged neck, can cause airway obstruction, which results in sleep apnea. An individual who lives with obesity often develops sleep apnea due to enlarged tissues in the throat or mouth.
How does sleep apnea affect mental health?
Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on mental health, potentially leading to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, cognitive impairment and memory issues, mood swings and irritability, and a decreased quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Nashua Dentist!
Don’t let sleep apnea impact your health and quality of life. Contact the Center for Dental Sleep Health today for a free consultation with Dr. Ura. We serve Nashua and surrounding communities, including Hudson, Merrimack, and Milford, NH. Call us at (603) 237-1124 or fill out our online contact form to start your journey towards better sleep and improved overall health.