5 Signs It’s Time for Sleep Apnea Therapy in Cincinnati

Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial for feeling good and being healthy. But if you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from sleep apnea, you’re not sleeping as soundly as you could. Many cases of sleep apnea remain undiagnosed for years — keep reading for the top 5 signs you need to come in to learn more about sleep apnea therapy in Cincinnati.

#1: Chronic Snoring

The top warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring. This goes beyond the periodic kind you may experience when you have blocked sinuses or after you’ve had one too many nightcaps. Sleep apnea is associated with the type of snoring that happens every single night — and which usually causes your partner to jab or poke you to stop.

#2: Irritability

When you are not getting the sleep you need, it’s just about impossible to feel good the next day. People close to you may notice that you are irritable or snappy — but you can’t do anything about it until you realize there is a treatable problem to blame!

#3: Overweight or obese

The most common risk factor for sleep apnea is being overweight or obese. The extra weight places pressure on the tissues around the throat, causing it to become constricted more easily. This results in snoring and disrupted sleep (i.e., sleep apnea).

#4: Fatigue

People who suffer from sleep apnea are running on a constant REM (rapid eye movement) deficit. We need to reach the REM stage every night to have enough energy the next day. You may be so tired that you find it difficult to complete simple tasks without falling asleep — which can spell trouble when you’re behind the wheel. In fact, studies show that driving while tired can actually be more dangerous than driving drunk.

#5: Restless Sleep

When the airway is blocked during sleep, the brain doesn’t have the oxygen it needs to survive. It then sends the body an emergency “wake up!” alarm to resume breathing — and on the exterior, this looks like you’re gasping for breath. If your partner has commented that you frequently stop breathing throughout the night only to wake with a gasp after a few seconds, you most likely have sleep apnea.  

Learn About Sleep Apnea Treatment

The good news in all of this is that your sleep dentist can provide effective treatment for sleep apnea. If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, it’s worth checking into a sleep study to learn more. Then, after you have received a diagnosis, come to Sleep Better Appliances! We can help you find the relief you deserve with oral appliance therapy. We’ll talk more about what all that means at your sleep apnea consultation.

About the Author

Dr. James Striebel has over 20 years of experience helping his patients regain high-quality sleep with effective sleep apnea solutions. If you have just received a sleep apnea diagnosis, don’t wait to contact your sleep dentist in Cincinnati by calling (937) 679-4121.