Sleep apnea is a condition that affects some 22 million Americans, according to recent estimates from the American Sleep Apnea Association. Unfortunately, many sufferers do not realize there is a treatable condition behind their chronic exhaustion, fatigue, and other damaging side effects. And, left untreated, sleep apnea in Lawton can take a serious toll on overall health as well. Keep reading to learn more about the risks of this condition — and what you can do to protect yourself or someone you love.
Sleep + Your Health
The human body needs adequate sleep to thrive — usually between 7 to 9 hours, depending on your age. This is the time when the organs take a moment to relax and recharge from the stress they have endured throughout the day. Unfortunately, sleep apnea causes a sufferer to experience cycles of wakefulness and shallow sleep. This leads to a host of side effects that may show up over the long term. People who are frequently deprived of rest end up feeling chronically fatigued and irritable and are often at a higher risk of heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. In addition to cardiovascular issues, memory loss is also common for people with sleep apnea.
Watch Out for These Symptoms
Identifying the warning signs of sleep apnea sooner rather than later can help you find an effective treatment to get the restful sleep that you need. This will help you feel better and maybe even live longer. Keep in mind that often, it is not the sleep apnea sufferer themselves who recognizes the issue — rather, a partner notices the interrupted sleep first. Watch out for these symptoms as much as for you as for someone you love.
- Chronic snoring
- Waking up with a start or jerk frequently throughout the night
- Feeling chronically exhausted or irritable during the day
- Walking with a dry mouth or a sore throat
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism)
- Anxiety, depression, and other signs of insufficient sleep
Find a Solution
If you have one or more of the previously mentioned sleep apnea symptoms, do not hesitate to get in touch with a professional for a diagnosis. Having a sleep test performed can help you regain the rest you need to protect your overall well-being — and your sanity. Treatment for sleep apnea often includes an oral appliance, which repositions the lower jaw during sleep to prevent its collapse and help you breathe fully throughout the night.
No matter what the appropriate solution for your sleep apnea is, the important thing is finding a solution right away. Your continued health depends on it!
Meet the Doctor
Dr. David J. Drummond is a sleep apnea expert offering expert solutions for patients with a variety of needs. If you or a loved one are exhibiting the signs of sleep apnea, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at Stop Snoring Lawton. They can be reached by phone or via their website.