Did you know…
An estimated 80 million Americans snore?
Snoring may indicate a more serious health condition known as sleep apnea?
Approximately 15 million Americans have some degree of sleep apnea?
People with sleep apnea are 30% more likely to die prematurely of stroke or heart attack?
Snoring may seem like a trifling bother, but it can actually interfere with your sleep, your health, and your relationships. Snoring results when airways are blocked by soft-tissues, preventing the constant flow of air to the body. Air forces its way through, causing the noisy vibrations that rumble the household and prevent you from getting a restful night’s slumber. Many patients who snore actually stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. Patients with recurring lapses of breath have a condition called sleep apnea.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Feeling tired throughout the day even after a full night’s sleep
- Falling asleep while sitting, reading, watching TV, or driving
- Chronic fatigue
- Poor memory
- Depression
- Irritability
- Obesity
Patients with sleep apnea are not receiving enough oxygen supply to their brain, and they’re prevented from entering into deep stages of sleep. Oxygen deprivation can lead to memory loss, and it can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lack of deep sleep interferes with the body’s ability to process emotions and recuperate from daily activities. The physical and emotional toll sleep apnea takes on patients can be life-threatening.
The Good News: Sleep apnea and snoring can be effectively treated with simple therapies. Dr. Erika Mason provides conservative treatment for snoring and sleep apnea using an oral appliance. She’ll perform an at-home sleep study to diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action. Many patients find relief with a custom-made oral appliance from SomnoMed. The appliance holds the jaw forward and opens airways. Following treatment, many patients report that they no longer have daytime drowsiness or chronic fatigue, and their sleeping partner can finally get a full night’s sleep, as well!
If you snore or think you might have sleep apnea, call Dr. Mason’s Midlothian, VA dental office for a consultation.
Tags: dentist, dentistry, Dr. Erika Mason, Midlothian VA, Sleep Apnea, snoring