At Sachem Dental Group in Long Island, Suffolk County, NY, we prioritize your health and well-being. While you might associate dental care primarily with your teeth and gums, we also want to shed light on a crucial aspect of your overall health that’s also tied to your smile: sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed medical disorder that can have serious consequences on both your physical and mental health. It occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. These interruptions in your breathing can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, oxygen deprivation, and even worn, flat teeth.
Don’t Ignore These Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
1. Snoring (is it Sleep Apnea?)
Snoring can be a natural part of sleep for some people, but when it becomes excessively loud and disruptive, it might be a sign of sleep apnea. The snoring in sleep apnea is often characterized by pauses in breathing followed by choking or gasping sounds. If your partner complains about your loud snoring, it’s worth talking to a doctor.
2. Daytime Fatigue
One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of sleeping disorders is daytime fatigue. Even if you think you’re getting a full night’s sleep, the frequent interruptions in your breathing can prevent you from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages. Consequently, you may wake up feeling tired and drained all day long, no matter how long you were in bed.
3. Morning Headaches
Frequent headaches, especially right when you wake up, may indicate a sleeping disorder. The oxygen deprivation that occurs during apnea episodes can lead to vascular changes, which in turn may trigger headaches. On a related note, people with sleep apnea do tend to grind their teeth heavily at times, which may also trigger headaches, jaw, and facial pain.
4. Difficulty Concentrating
Sleep is essential for cognitive function, and when your sleep is constantly disrupted, it can affect your ability to focus or even make otherwise simple decisions. If you find it increasingly hard to remember things, it could be related to a sleeping disorder.
5. Irritability and Mood Swings from Sleep Apnea
Untreated apnea can also impact on your emotional well-being. People with untreated sleep disturbances are more likely to experience mood swings, irritability, and even depression. These mood changes can affect your relationships and career.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, there could be something significantly wrong. The good news is that sleep disordered breathing is a treatable condition, and early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in your life.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Screening
If you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above in yourself or a family member, it’s time to take action. Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications down the road, including fatal heart attacks or strokes. Sachem Dental Group is here to help you on your journey to better sleep and improved overall health. Contact our dentists in Long Island today to reserve your next exam and sleep-disordered breathing screening.
