Dec
Sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your overall health — not only does it leave you with daytime fatigue, but it can also cause chronic and severe health complications if left untreated. Your doctor’s solution to the problem might be bulky, loud machines, and even surgery. However, depending on your situation, The DentaLink in St. Louis, Missouri, may offer a simpler, less-intrusive solution.
Most people are familiar with sleep apnea symptoms: headaches, feeling groggy in the morning, snoring, and so on. However, only a few people are aware of how these symptoms come about. When you suffer from sleep apnea, your breathing is interrupted during sleep, causing insufficient oxygen supply in the body. During the brief stoppages in breathing, you wake up momentarily to gasp for air. Since these episodes can happen up to hundreds of times every night, you wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
There are two main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your throat muscles relax to the extent that your breathing is temporarily disrupted while sleeping. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
Most people think that sleep apnea is all about snoring. However, this condition is more severe than raucous snoring. It is linked to several health issues, including:
Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of injuries. Due to poor concentration, sleep apnea sufferers are likely to cause car accidents or injure themselves in the workplace.
After a proper diagnosis with a simple at-home sleep test, we may recommend oral appliance therapy. This treatment uses a dental device that pushes your jaw forward, ensuring your airway remains open while sleeping. With an unobstructed airway, your breathing will be uninterrupted, resulting in a restful night’s sleep.
Are you suspecting that you may have sleep apnea? Don’t wait until this condition takes a toll on your health. Instead, dial (314) 334-1474 (St. Louis office) or (636) 496 8584 (Ballwin office) to book an appointment with The DentaLink. Drs. Allan and Drew Link offer effective oral appliance therapy to help combat your sleep apnea.