Snoring can be more than just an annoying noise; it can also be an indicator that you’re suffering from a serious sleep breathing disorder called sleep apnea. Our doctors at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich have been trained to look for warning signs of sleep apnea and recommend potential dental solutions, so you can get a good night’s rest again thanks to custom sleep apnea treatment in our Lake Zurich, IL dental office.
The most obvious harmful effect of sleep apnea is how it interrupts your sleep. It causes your breathing to stop, which forces your body to wake up to get some air. This happens multiple times during the night, and naturally it can leave you feeling exhausted (not to mention deprived of all-important oxygen).
Living with chronic fatigue can be dangerous. You’ll be much more likely to fall asleep at the wrong moment, such as while driving or operating heavy machinery. In fact, a sleep-deprived driver has just as much chance of causing an accident as someone who is under the influence of alcohol.
Sleep apnea has also been linked to high blood pressure, strokes, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, depression, and other health problems.
Snoring is the most obvious symptom of sleep apnea. Other potential warning signs include dry mouth, general tiredness, a sore throat, insomnia, short-term memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an overall decrease in mental capabilities. Call us if any of these symptoms describe you on a regular basis.
First, we’ll work with your primary physician to have a sleep study performed. Many people with sleep apnea are prescribed CPAP therapy, but many patients find the CPAP machines uncomfortable and far too noisy. As an alternative, we offer customized sleep appliances that safely keep the mouth and throat open so that you can breathe easy and sleep peacefully.