Do I have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is common for individuals in the U.S. and is often a condition that is misdiagnosed. Sleep apnea can be hard to recognize because its warning signs are general, many of which are present in patients with other illnesses.

If you wake up in the morning with severe headaches, feel extremely tired or awaken frequently through the night, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea closes your upper airways, which means that you are left gasping for air. Many patients who have sleep apnea can awaken more than 30 times in one night and never know it. Sleep apnea affects about 18 million adults in America. 

Additional warning signs of sleep apnea include:

• Very loud and constant snoring 
• Pauses in breath, followed by gasping for air during sleep. 
• Extreme daytime sleepiness or fatigue 

Sleep apnea has also been found to be associated with increased disease and fatality rates. It has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and brain ailments such as Dementia and Alzheimer's, to name a few.

Our dentist offers sleep apnea treatment to help with the condition. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact our Sherman Oaks dental office for a consultation. Sleep apnea can be debilitating and can reduce life quality if left untreated.