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How Is Snoring Connected to My Overall Health?

Sleeping man snores while wife covers her ears.

Snoring. It’s certainly annoying, but it can actually be more than just a nuisance. Snoring can be a sign of a serious issue known as sleep apnea. Here’s some information to help you learn how to spot sleep apnea symptoms and how this disorder is treated.

What Is Sleep Apnea

The disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax while you’re asleep. This disrupts your airflow and causes your breathing to stop throughout the night for at least ten seconds at a time. It’s a common disorder, but can be hard to recognize. Partially because patients often don’t know what they’re looking for and partially because it happens while they are sleeping. It’s ultimately diagnosed through a sleep study. However, some signs to look for include chronic fatigue, loud snoring, frequent headaches, dry mouth or sore throat, and waking up gasping or choking.

The Consequences of Sleep Apnea

If left untreated, sleep apnea can come with some unfortunate health implications. High blood pressure and heart problems are both linked to sleep apnea. And night after night of poor sleep can cause all kinds of problems including depression and anxiety; a weakened immune system; a decrease in decision making ability and cognitive function; obesity and more.

Treating Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be treated and one of the most convenient solutions is offered by dentists. In fact, we offer sleep apnea treatment here at Leesburg Family Dental. We offer custom night guards that are created to keep your airway open while you sleep. That way, normal breathing is allowed to continue even while your muscles relax during sleep. Treatment for sleep apnea will not only allow you to avoid nasty health complications, but you’ll be able to achieve better sleep and feel better throughout the day.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Leesburg, Virginia

If you think you might have sleep apnea, it is not something you will want to ignore. With the serious complications that can come as a result of the sleep disorder, it’s best to bring it up with your dentist or doctor as soon as you can. A good night’s sleep is essential to overall good health. Once you have finished a sleep study, give us a call to get started on your treatment.

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