Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Over 20 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, making it one of the most prevalent sleep disorders. It is also one of the most dangerous. The most common form of this disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when breathing is cut off by a physical blockage, often enlarged throat tissues collapsing into the airway. Afflicted patients will stop breathing while asleep and will wake up briefly to gasp in air. An estimated 80 percent of sufferers are undiagnosed, but left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, depression, and other serious complications.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs
Patients may not be aware that they are struggling with sleep apnea because the pauses in their breathing happen while they are asleep. Even though episodes might happen as often as five to thirty times an hour, sufferers will fall asleep again immediately afterwards and so may not recall the pauses at all the next day. But if you find that you are exhausted during the day no matter how early you go to bed, you may be struggling with a sleep disorder and should consult with an expert to determine if it is sleep apnea.
Other signs to watch for are:
Your sleep apnea symptoms can be assessed by our team.
Sleep Apnea Causes
Some common causes of obstructive sleep apnea are:
- Excess weight or obesity
- Enlarged tonsils
- Muscular changes in airway
- Growth in airway
- Large overbite
Whatever the cause of your sleep apnea is, we at Sleep Apnea and TMJ Solutions can figure it out and treat it accordingly!
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Advanced age (55+)
- No tonsillectomy
- A naturally narrow throat or large tongue
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Frequent smoking or alcohol use
- Sleeping on your back
However, patients without these factors can also develop sleep apnea. If you are suffering from sleep apnea symptoms, schedule a sleep study with us.
If your daytime fatigue is indeed a symptom of sleep apnea, Dr. Poss’s advanced technology can provide an accurate diagnosis and a proper treatment for your obstruction.
Jill,
Sleep Apnea Patient
“My experience has been amazing . . . they go above and beyond, WAY above and beyond.”
Resolve Sleep Apnea Symptoms In Brentwood and Murfreesboro
If you are experiencing any sleep apnea symptoms or sleep problems and are ready to get some sleep again, Sleep Apnea and TMJ Solutions is here to assist you. Dr. Poss offers sleep studies here at our facility to determine the cause and best treatment for your sleep apnea. Talk to us today about getting a consultation or scheduling your sleep test so that you can get back to sleep and stay asleep.
