It’s estimated that 50% of people snore at some point during their life. Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many people who snore also have sleep apnea in Friendswood. But there are important differences.
Why is Sleep Apnea in Friendswood So Dangerous?
Snoring alone doesn’t cause breathing to stop. People who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing. This can happen many times during the night. When the brain is deprived of oxygen not surprisingly serious problems can occur. Even death.
Patients with sleep apnea are at risk for heart problems including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They are also at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. One of the most common problems is daytime fatigue. This makes ordinary activities overwhelming. Untreated sleep apnea lowers a persons quality of life. The health consequences are not limited to the person with the condition. Their bed partner is also deprived of restorative sleep and, as such, is at risk of health complications.
Suspect You Might Have Sleep Apnea in Friendswood?
If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, or your partner says you stop breathing temporarily during sleep, see your doctor right away. If you want to start out with a specialist, ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. In the U.S., the American Board of Sleep Medicine certifies physicians who treat sleep disorders. Your doctor will diagnose whether you have sleep apnea and which of the three types you have. This may require a visit to a sleep disorder clinic. If you are diagnoses as having Obstructive Sleep Apnea, make sure you go over all of the treatment options with a professional. Sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery. If your medical doctor believes you are a candidate for a dental appliance, consult a dentist who specializes in treatment for sleep disorders. At Montz and Maher Dental Group, we also offer emergency dental care and cosmetic dentistry. We hope to see you soon!
Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:
832-895-5120
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546
