Snoring & Sleep Apnea An Overview
Many people don’t realize that their snoring or sleep apnea is a problem – one your general or family dentist can treat. Bay City, MI dentist Dr. Mahnke is experienced in treating snoring and sleep apnea.
Millions of Americans – and their partners – are affected by snoring. Not only does snoring disrupt your sleep and prevent your body from getting the rest it needs, it can, unfortunately, be a sign of a more serious condition: Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Apnea is a potentially dangerous medical condition in which the snorer actually stops breathing for several seconds – up to two minutes. This results in decreased oxygen in the blood, which can lead to headaches, irritability, and fatigue and in rare instances, sudden death. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can have a negative impact on your overall health. Sleep apnea may lead to an increased risk of developing severe health conditions such as heart attack, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Finding the right solution can help improve your quality of sleep and may even save your life.
Common signs of sleep apnea may include:
- Chronic headaches or migraines (especially in the morning)
- Waking up gasping or choking for air
- Chronic daytime fatigue
- Loud snoring
- Depression
- Poor concentrating
