Tired All the Time? Answer These Questions to Assess Your Sleep Apnea Risk

Snoring is a problem for 25% of American adults, and almost half of all adults snore occasionally.  Snoring is much more than an annoying habit.  It can be a symptom of a more serious condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition which prevents normal breathing during relaxation.  When the throat muscles relax during sleep, they collapse upon each other, obstructing the airway and causing loud snoring and/or periods of apnea (not breathing). OSA can cause a variety of problems with both overall health as well as lifestyle.

25% of American Adults 

Suffer With Habitual

Snoring.

OSA and Chronic Health Conditions

Patients suffering with OSA can experience problems ranging from high blood pressure to clinical depression.  Extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day, along with forgetfulness, mood changes and even loss of libido affect quality of life.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Help

The good news is, there is help available.  Traditional treatment for OSA often includes the use of a C-PAP machine over night. Many patients find the C-PAP cumbersome and uncomfortable, reducing compliance.  Dental treatment for snoring and sleep apnea has been shown to reduce symptoms significantly. A custom made dental appliance which maintains an open airway, reducing snoring and preventing obstruction of the airway during sleep, can reduce or eliminate the serious problems associated with sleep apnea.

Snoring/Sleep Apnea Self Assesment

Answer the following questions to asses whether snoring or sleep apnea could be affecting your ability to achieve a good night's sleep. 

1. Do you often wake up in the morning with a very dry or sore throat?
2. Do you suffer from forgetfulness, mood-changes or decreased libido?
3. Do you snore, or have you been told that you snore?
4. Do you experience sleepiness or decreased energy during the day?
5. Do you frequently wake up in the morning with a headache?
6. Do you awaken during the night with a sensation of gasping or choking?
7. Do you experience restless sleep?
8. Do you experience extreme sleepiness while driving?

 If you answered "yes" to two or more of these questions, then you could be suffering with OSA.  The best way to find out for sure is to have a personal examination and consultation with a sleep apnea treatment provider, such as Dr. Jack E. Burroughs.

Your examination and consultation will reveal if snoring or sleep apnea is likely a problem for you.  A professional sleep-study will be used to gain a proper diagnosis.  Treatment for snoring and sleep apnea is easy to use and easy to comply with using a dental sleep apnea oral device.  For more information about OSA and treatment for snoring and sleep apnea, contact Dr. Burroughs at Forest Lane Dental.