Do I Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause a person to stop breathing up to hundreds of times per night. For this reason, it’s important that you consult with your primary care physician and one of our dentists in Grandville, MI, if you suspect you have .
Here are some of the top warning signs you have obstructive sleep apnea. If you recognize any of these symptoms, please call our office as soon as possible to schedule a sleep apnea consultation.
Loud Snoring
Snoring can be more than just an annoyance to your partner. It can also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. If you have a habit of snoring loudly and recognize the other warning signs of sleep apnea, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with one of our dentists. During your appointment, they’ll screen you and possibly recommend a sleep test so you can have peace of mind.
Obesity
If you’re carrying extra weight, you have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. This is because the soft tissue at the back of your throat tends to relax and collapse when you’re asleep. This obstructs your airway and makes it more difficult to sleep at night.
The good news is that we can create a sleep apnea appliance for you to wear while you’re asleep. This appliance works by moving your jaw forward so you can breathe easier.
Being Age 50 or Older
Your risk for obstructive sleep apnea increases as you get older.
Being Male
Men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than women. However, women can still get sleep apnea, especially if they’re overweight or have other risk factors. If you have any of the we describe here, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible.
Thick Neck Circumference
A thicker neck could mean that your airway is narrower than the average person’s. The narrower your airway is, the harder it is for air to move freely through your nose and throat. A thick neck circumference for a woman would be more than 16 inches and for a man, more than 17 inches.
Daytime Sleepiness
Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night to get the rest they need. While each person’s sleep needs are different, chronic exhaustion could be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you still feel tired after 9 hours of sleep, you may have obstructive sleep apnea and not even know it.
People with sleep apnea tend to experience daytime sleepiness. This is because they wake up every time they stop breathing in their sleep, but often have no recollection of it ever happening in the morning.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation
Our dentists in Grandville, MI, are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for sleep apnea treatment, please call 44 West Dental Professionals at (616) 530-2200. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will get back to you soon.