Do you have trouble sleeping? Has your significant other or a family member told you that you snore? Surprisingly, there’s a connection between snoring and sleep apnea in New Braunfels. Loud snoring and daily sleepiness are typically the most common signs of sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn what sleep apnea is and how your snoring may be connected to your sleeping disorder from a trusted dentist.
What is Sleep Apnea?
There are various types of sleep apnea, but the most common type of this disorder is obstructive sleep apnea. With this disorder, your airway gets blocked, which causes pauses in breathing while asleep. This can interrupt your good night’s sleep sometimes hundreds of times without you knowing. That’s why it’s important to watch out for the symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses during snoring followed by gasps
- Pauses in breathing
- Feeling short of breath
- Daytime sleepiness
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Going to the bathroom frequently during the night
- Moodiness
- Difficulty concentrating
How to Tell the Difference Between Sleep Apnea and Regular Snoring
The easiest way to tell a difference between simple snoring and a serious sleeping disorder is how you feel during the day. Typically, regular snoring doesn’t interfere with your sleep, so you should still feel well rested throughout the day.
If your partner or a family member notices that your snoring has gotten louder, combined with your feeling of drowsiness during the day, you should contact your dentist in New Braunfels to get the treatment you need.
Common Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
You may have a higher risk of sleep apnea if you’re:
- Overweight
- Over 50
- A smoker
- Someone with high blood pressure
- More than 15.75 inches in neck circumference
It’s important to know that sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, but your risk of this sleep disorder increases if you have any of the above factors or attributes.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
If someone has told you that your snoring has gotten louder, more frequent, and you constantly feel sleepy, your dentist can help! They can use a custom-made mouthguard to shift the position of your jaw in a way that opens up your airways for clearer breathing. This means a better night sleep for more productive days.
Does it sound like you have sleep apnea? Contact your dentist to get the treatment you need so you can get back to counting sheep with ease.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. David Earnest is a San Antonio native who loves caring for patients in his community. He takes pride in offering treatment options that help patients relax and sleep better. He stays up-to-date on the latest dental techniques through membership in organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He currently practices at Comal Dental, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (830) 625-1515 for any questions.