Do you believe you might have sleep apnea?
A range of symptoms can indicate sleep apnea. Some patients experience several symptoms, while others are unaware of their developing health risks. Dr. Harper will discuss all aspects of your lifestyle, medical history, and any changes you notice in your daily quality of life. He has the expertise to treat obstructive sleep apnea in Hampton Roads, VA.
Understanding your risk factors and the common signs of a sleep disorder can mean the difference between life and death. Risks increase with anyone who may also have underlying health issues, such as heart disease.
Signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea can include:
- Feeling tired even after a full night of sleep
- Needing coffee or caffeine to wake up or to get through the day
- Experiencing consistent headaches in the morning
- Snoring loudly and frequently
- Making choking or snorting sounds during sleep
- Stopping breathing during sleep
- Depression or irritability
- Unexplained weight gain or trouble losing weight
- High blood pressure
- Falling asleep while driving
- Menopausal or premenopausal symptoms
- Sore throat, dry mouth
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia, difficulty getting to sleep
What foods cause sleep apnea?
Carbohydrates and dairy are two of the leading causes of sleep apnea. Bananas can also worsen the effects of sleep apnea.
Does sleep apnea get worse with age?
Sleep apnea can worsen with age. Age can also bring about sleep apnea. Muscles deteriorate in your airways as you age, which can affect your ability to stay open and breathe.
What is the main cause of sleep apnea?
The main cause of sleep apnea is weight gain and obesity. Excess weight can block passages in your airways, throat and mouth. While patients are asleep, tissues relax, causing blockages.
How do you know if sleep apnea is serious?
Sleep apnea is severe when patients have more than 30 apneas per hour. Sleep apnea can shorten patients’ lifespans by up to 15 years, so it is important to treat sleep apnea sooner rather than later.
How long can you live with untreated sleep apnea?
Lack of treatment for sleep apnea can reduce a person’s lifespan by 12-15 years. Although there is no permanent cure, your doctor can treat sleep apnea and reduce its negative effects.
What organs does sleep apnea affect?
Sleep apnea has a large impact on your digestive system. Fatty liver disease, liver scarring, and elevated liver enzymes are more common in those with sleep apnea.
What Is Causing Me To Snore While I Sleep?
It wasn’t long ago that people would laugh or simply become annoyed and sleep in another room if they had to deal with a loud snorer. You rarely see comedy movies or television shows that portray snoring as funny. That is because we have learned that snoring often means that there is a much deeper medical condition causing the issue. If you are a snorer, these reasons can cause you to snore:
Your Age: Most of us already know that when you get older, your body begins to lose muscle tone. This requires your body to give more effort for simple exercises such as sleeping. Your tongue and throat muscles will also lose some muscle definition.
Your Weight: Chances are, if you are overweight, then you will be a snorer. This is due to the excess fatty tissues that build up inside your thought on top of little or poor muscle tone. This will cause heavy and even violent snoring.
Your Bad Habits: If you are a heavy smoker or drinker, chances are, you are also a common snorer. Drinking alcohol before bed is a factor that causes regular snoring. Alcohol increases the relaxation of your muscles which will disrupt airflow, causing you to snore. Smoking, on the other hand, will cause irritation and inflammation to your nasal passages and throat muscles which will also disrupt airflow causing you to snore.
Your Sleep Posture: Most of the time, people who sleep on their backs are snorers. The tissues in the back of your throat can easily fold over when you sleep on your back. The collapsing of the soft tissue causes blockage of your airway and snoring. If you snore on your back, try sleeping on your side. This may eliminate your snoring, helping you get a night of much better sleep.
Schedule A Sleep Study
Are you concerned that you might be at risk for a sleep disorder or have experienced any of the above-mentioned symptoms on a regular basis? Discuss your concerns with Dr. Harper at your next routine dental care visit, or schedule a consultation online. Dr. Harper will provide free sleep apnea screening, including a discussion of your medical history.
If it is determined that you may be suffering from sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing, Dr. Harper will work with your regular physician to coordinate care. We work with local specialists who are dedicated to improving your sleep with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatments. Call Coastal Sleep & TMJ at (757) 600-6535 today.