Sleep Apnea
More than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common and potentially life-threatening medical disorder that prevents airflow during sleep. And many of us all have had experience with someone who snores!!!
A pause in breathing is referred to as an “apnea episode” and almost everyone has brief apnea episodes while they sleep. 90% of people who have sleep apnea don’t even know they have it.
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Sleep apnea occurs when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to all of your organs including your heart and brain. People with sleep apnea may snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time.
When the blood-oxygen level drops low enough, the body momentarily wakes up. It can happen so fast that you may not be aware you woke up. This can happen hundreds of times a night, and you may wake up in the morning feeling unrefreshed.
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sleep apnea consultation at 281.980.7777
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea patients are very different. The sleep disorder progressively worsens with age and weight gain. Listed below are some common signs of sleep apnea:
- Unintentionally falling asleep during the day
- General daytime sleepiness
- Unrefreshed sleep
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Waking from sleep with a choking sound or gasping for breath
- Loud snoring
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Is it just snoring or is it sleep apnea?
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. So how do you tell the difference between garden variety snoring and a more serious case of sleep apnea? Take our Sleep Self Test.
The biggest telltale sign is how you feel during the day. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea does, so you’re less likely to suffer from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day.
Learn more about Dr. Greg Carroll, DDS of InStyle Smiles and Houston Botox Dentist. Call 281.980.7777 for a free consultation.
