Let's stop your obstructive sleep apnea.
While snoring is a common symptom, sleep apnea is much more serious than a simple snore. It is a sleep disorder in which breathing periodically starts and stops during the night, and it can have a serious impact on your health.
Sleep apnea has been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart disease and more. You may have sleep apnea if you experience some of the following:
- Loud, recurring snoring
- Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
- Choking or gasping for air in your sleep
- Neck size greater than 17 inches (for a man)
- Neck size greater than 16 inches (for a woman)
- Stopped breathing during sleep
- Unexplained weight gain/trouble losing weight
- High blood pressure
- Heightened anxiety, depression or emotional issues
- Acid reflux
- History of stroke or heart attack
- Falling asleep during the day when activity is low
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Impotence
There are two types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by your brain sending incorrect signals to your muscles in your sleep—it usually requires the help of a sleep specialist. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it can often be successfully treated in a dentist’s office.