Sleep apnea deprives your body of the rest it needs to thrive and is a severe health condition that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who struggle with sleep apnea can trust Sharon Schaaf of Mountain Desert Health, with their care. Booking a visit is fast and easy whether you choose online or phone options.

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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder, but many people suffer for years before they receive a proper diagnosis. The condition is characterized by frequent breaks in your sleep pattern prompted by a need to take in more air.

People with sleep apnea can wake dozens or even hundreds of times each night. That leaves precious little time to get the rest your body requires to repair itself and prepare for the coming day.

The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax while you sleep, blocking airflow into your lungs. Your brain reacts by triggering a gasping function, which disrupts your sleep again and again.

What are the health risks of sleep apnea?

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to numerous health issues, some of which can be life-threatening. Some of the problems that can arise from sleep apnea include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Liver issues
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Medication complications
  • Extreme fatigue

If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing sleep apnea, schedule a diagnostic workup immediately.

What are some symptoms of sleep apnea?

Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to seek treatment for sleep apnea. Some of the symptoms of this common disorder include:

  • Daytime fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Irritability
  • Waking with a dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Morning headaches

When you have sleep apnea, your partner might be the first to notice something is wrong. If you share a sleeping space with someone who reports loud snoring, gasping for breath, or periods where you stop breathing during your sleep, book an assessment to determine if sleep apnea is the cause.

How is sleep apnea treated?

One of the best ways to treat sleep apnea is with a custom-fitted night guard. These removable devices fit over the surface of your teeth to create a subtle change in how you hold your jaw at night.

Shifting your bottom jaw slightly forward opens up your airways and is often enough of a change to stop sleep apnea. It can take some time to get used to the feel of wearing a night guard, but the results are well worth the effort.

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may be helpful for sleep apnea. Moving closer to a healthy weight also brings a vast array of improvements in your quality of life.

If you’d like more information about sleep apnea, call Mountain Desert Health today or book online at a time that fits your schedule.