It’s important to start your day with a sharp mind. A morning headache can make that challenging to accomplish. If you’ve been experiencing this, then it definitely shouldn’t be ignored. That’s because it can be a sign of sleep apnea. As you continue reading, a local dentist explains what the condition is, what some typical symptoms are and how sleep apnea treatment in Stephens City can help you recover.
Sleep Apnea Explained
The term sleep apnea refers to frequent lapses in breathing during a normal sleep cycle. The condition is becoming alarmingly more prevalent, as over 22 million Americans have some form of it. With each disruption in airflow, a signal is sent from the brain that triggers the person to wake-up. Because this can sometimes happen hundreds of times throughout the night, the typical benefits of sleep can be lost.
The first step to determining whether you have sleep apnea is to know what symptoms to recognize.
Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
If you frequently wake-up with a headache, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. It can be brought on by the decreased oxygen saturation that occurs when you have reoccurring breaks in your breathing. The pain, then, is one of your body’s ways of letting you know that there is a problem.
Here are some of the other warning signs of sleep apnea:
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
- Lost libido
- Bed-wetting
- Daytime lethargy
- Morning throat soreness
If you discover any of these symptoms, it’s important to bring it to your primary physician’s attention so you can undergo a sleep test.
How Sleep Apnea Can be Treated
The typical way of treating sleep apnea is with a CPAP machine, which consists of a base unit, tube and mask that is worn while you sleep. It’s an effective way of treating sleep apnea, but it has its limitations. Many patients struggle to rest properly because of the noise it makes and the fact that it can be uncomfortable to wear.
Thankfully, this isn’t your only option. The alternative is for a dentist to custom design an oral sleep appliance. Since the most common cause of sleep apnea is throat blockage (referred to as obstructive sleep apnea), the appliance is an excellent solution, as it gently shifts the jaw forward to keep the airway open while you sleep. Thus, you’re able to get the quality rest that your body and mind need.
If you’ve been waking up to headaches or any of the other symptoms outlined here, then the time has come to act. With treatment from a skilled expert, you can sleep better and function at your best.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has since gone on to amass over 30 years of experience. Along the way, Dr. Gromling has received advanced training in several areas, which includes the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. A member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he helps patients rest better by providing expert care at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.