Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) currently affects up to 30% of men and 17% of women in the United States, and it’s growing more common. This often-overlooked condition can have serious — or even deadly — health consequences if left untreated. Many people associate OSA with loud snoring, but the signs of sleep apnea go beyond just noise at night.
At Porter Dental Health Clinic, experienced dentists Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Will Warren specialize in treating sleep apnea using nonsurgical strategies focused on patient comfort. With a high-tech approach and a commitment to personalized care, we help patients breathe easier and sleep better.
To get the right help for OSA, you first need to know there’s a problem. Unfortunately, some of the signs can be sneaky and unexpected. Read on to learn what they are.
Constant Fatigue During the Day
Excess daytime tiredness is one of the most common but easily dismissed signs of sleep apnea. You may think you slept through the night, but your sleep quality suffers if your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to repeated airway blockages. These disruptions can happen up to 400 times per night, which means significant oxygen deprivation. This can lead to daytime tiredness, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a higher risk of driving or working accidents.
Frequent Morning Headaches
Sleep apnea could be the culprit if you wake up with a headache most mornings. When oxygen levels drop repeatedly during sleep, it can trigger blood vessel changes that cause headaches. These headaches often fade after a few hours, but they tend to happen frequently in people with OSA.
Waking Up Gasping or Choking
Many people with sleep apnea are unaware they stop breathing at night, but waking up suddenly, gasping for air, is a major red flag. These sudden episodes can be frightening, and paying attention to your body’s warning signs is important.
Unexplained Irritability or Mood Changes
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the body — it impacts mental health, too. Poor sleep quality can make you feel stressed and anxious. Many people with OSA experience mood swings and, in some cases, depression and anxiety.
Recognizing Signs and Seeking Treatment
Sleep apnea isn’t just an inconvenience: It represents a serious health threat. Untreated, OSA can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other serious conditions. It can even be deadly if untreated.
The good news is that effective, comfortable treatments are available. At Porter Dental Health Clinic, we specialize in nonsurgical solutions, like custom oral appliances that help keep your airway open at night. Dr. Porter and Dr. Warren provide high-tech, patient-focused sleep apnea care to help you get the restorative sleep your body needs.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hot Springs, AR
Do you suspect sleep apnea? Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen or threaten your health. Porter Dental Health Clinic in Hot Springs, AR, offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Call 501-624-2778 to schedule an appointment and start sleeping better today.
