At the Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry in Alexandria VA, we often see patients who say they have been struggling with insufficient sleep for months or even years. Some of these people end up being diagnosed with sleep apnea or related conditions.
You Can’t Just “Tough It Out”
The reluctance to request treatment is lamentable, because substandard sleep takes a toll on health and reduces quality of life. If they are keeping someone up at night, it makes life more difficult for that person, as well.
Protect Your Health
For some reason, many people don’t consider sleep apnea a serious issue. Sleep apnea is a condition in which someone stops breathing repeatedly as they sleep. Among its more ominous effects, it restricts the flow of oxygen to the brain.
There isn’t a biological process more vital than breathing. And poor sleep can cause a myriad of serious health troubles. It also affects performance in every aspect of life; work, recreation, and social activities.
There are several types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Cause: Throat muscles loosen and cover the airway. This is the most prevalent type.
Central Sleep Apnea
Cause: The brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles that enable breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (Treatment-emergent Central Sleep Apnea)
Both of the previous conditions are present in this type.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
- Loud snoring
- Abrupt awakenings where you are choking or feel “out of breath”
- Pauses in breathing while sleeping (as evidenced by another person noticing the behavior)
- Sore throat or dry mouth after sleeping
- Uneasy sleep
- Falling asleep while performing normal daily activities
- Inability to concentrate during the day
- Depression and irritability
- Awakening with a headache
- Extreme tiredness
If you experience any of these symptoms, we invite you to discuss it with us at the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria VA. We treat sleep apnea. We also offer many other services, including Invisalign clear braces. Make an appointment with us today.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
