Published on September 16, 2021, Updated on October 13, 2021

Do you find yourself dozing asleep in the afternoon on a regular basis? Is your boyfriend always complaining about how loud you snore? Do you get the impression that you aren’t sleeping well at night, despite the fact that you don’t recall tossing and turning? If so, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, a prevalent but underdiagnosed condition.

What is obstructive sleep apnea and how does it affect you?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, closing the upper airway, resulting in loud and frequent snoring. This obstruction leads you to stop breathing for a few seconds to more than a minute hundreds of times per night. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening illness that increases the risk of major health complications if left untreated. Congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and impotence are some of these issues.

Who is affected by sleep apnea?

You’re not alone if you think you have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages and body types. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea affects at least 25 million adults in the United States.

Although sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, the risk increases with age. Sleep apnea is more frequent in men, but it can also affect women, especially during and after menopause. Obesity, a narrowed airway, a depressed chin, and a misaligned jaw can all raise the risk of sleep apnea.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Is it possible that the most essential question you should ask yourself is whether or not you are getting a decent night’s sleep? If it doesn’t work, record yourself sleeping or have your bed companion listen to you while you sleep. Pay heed to the warning indicators listed below.

Pay attention to the following:

• Snoring that is loud and frequent – Snoring that is loud and frequent is a common symptom of sleep apnea.

• Breathing pauses – Sleep apnea is defined by the occurrence of recurrent breathing pauses during the night. Your bed companion may hear you gasp for air in your sleep or wait (nervously) for you to take another breath.

Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive drowsiness during the day (the ability to fall asleep anywhere, at any time)

• Issues with memory

• Moodiness or irritability

• Impotence or decreased sex drive

• Headaches in the morning

• Indigestion, heartburn, or chest pain are all indications of acid reflux.

Don’t worry if you believe you might have sleep apnea; we can assist. Oral Health Center in Westerville, Ohio, has a team of dental sleep experts who can answer your questions about obstructive sleep apnea, including the diagnosis process and treatment choices. The first step is for you to be diagnosed by a physician, and we can help you get started by referring you to a qualified sleep doctor. Call 614-888-6811 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation, or visit www.theoralhealthcenter.com to schedule your next appointment.