August 3, 2018
A night’s sleep can make or break how your next day goes. Whether you work, are in school, or have a family to take care of, you need a good night’s sleep to make sure you’re firing on all cylinders. Snoring can be an issue for some people, but if you snore because of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s a sign of a much bigger problem. OSA occurs when something partially or completely blocks your upper airway during sleep causing you to wake up and have restless nights. This condition can go undiagnosed for years, so you should know the 7 signs that you have sleep apnea in Carrollton to regain your sleep and your overall health.
7 Signs You Could Have Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea can affect your sleep, but also other parts of your health too. Knowing the signs is your first step towards a better night’s sleep and a healthier you. Here are 7 signs and health issues you could already be facing if you have OSA:
#1: High Blood Pressure
Waking up in the middle of the night can stress your body out whether you know it or not. This can boost your blood pressure levels. Treating sleep apnea will give you better rest and allow a decrease in blood pressure.
#2: Heart Disease
Have you had a heart attack or stroke? People with OSA are more likely to have these conditions because sleep apnea disrupts how your body takes in oxygen, which makes it hard for your brain to control how the blood flows in your arteries.
#3: Type 2 Diabetes
80% or more of those with type 2 diabetes have sleep apnea. Not getting enough sleep can keep your body from using insulin properly. Increased weight caused by diabetes also increases the likelihood of OSA.
#4: Weight Gain
Being overweight can raise your chances of getting sleep apnea, and OSA can also make it harder to lose weight. Fatty deposits in your neck due to weight gain can obstruct breathing at night.
#5: Adult Asthma
Although there is no exact science to prove this, patients may find a decrease in asthma attacks after undergoing sleep apnea treatment.
#6: Acid Reflux
Sleep doctors say that acid reflux can be a contributing factor to lack of sleep from trouble breathing. Treating OSA may decrease these uncomfortable symptoms over time.
#7: Car Accidents
Have you had a car accident lately that you couldn’t explain? Exhaustion or feeling groggy at the wheel can be a sign of OSA. Patients with sleep apnea are almost 2.5 times more likely to get in a car accident. Lack of shut-eye due to sleep apnea can be a safety concern, so talk to your doctor today if you’ve experienced this recently.
Sleep apnea and its signs may seem scary, but there are multiple ways it can be treated to help you today. Talk to your dentist in Carrollton or general doctor about your treatment options.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Henry A. Campbell is a Texas native who loves caring for his patients in Carrollton. He is newly certified to treat sleep apnea because he knows how it can affect your sleep and the rest of your health. He runs his own practice and stays up-to-date on all the latest techniques through continuing education. For any questions, he can be contacted by phone at (972) 939-2888.
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