Do you wake up in the morning feeling like you haven’t really gotten any rest? Do you feel like you can’t concentrate during the day? Are you easily irritated? Is your sleep partner complaining about your snoring?
If so, you may have sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea basically means that you are having interruptions in breathing while you sleep. You probably don’t even know you’re doing it. But sleep apnea sufferers often find (with a sleep test) that they have these apneas sometimes over 100 times per night! They only last a few seconds a piece but they keep sufferers from getting good sleep throughout the night. The consequences of this are all unpleasant and can be threatening to your health.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- Snoring.
- A gagging or choking sound when you are sleeping. (Ask your sleep partner. He or she will undoubtedly know.)
- Feeling like you didn’t get good rest or enough rest the night before.
- Feeling “out of it” or like you can’t concentrate during the day.
- Feeling easily irritated.
- Feeling very sleepy during the day.
There are several prescribed treatments for sleep apnea, including a C-Pap, which is a machine that requires you to wear a special mask attached to your face to help you breathe. C-Paps are great — for those who can wear them. But not everyone can relax with a mask on their face. And most C-Paps require electricity, so if you are camping and such, you will have to go without any sleep apnea treatment.
However, at Corry Dental, we offer an oral sleep appliance that may give you relief from sleep apnea. An oral sleep appliance has several advantages. First, an oral sleep appliance is easy to use. You simply put the appliance in your mouth. It adjusts your jaw so you can breathe easier. An oral sleep appliance is most helpful if you sleep on your back. An oral sleep appliance works if you cannot abide a C-Pap. And, an oral sleep appliance does not require electricity.
We want you to get rest, plain and simple. Sleep apnea can be very detrimental to those who suffer from it. We are here to help. Call today!
