Do you catch yourself drifting off at work, even though you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night? Do you feel irritable or have trouble concentrating? Has your partner ever complained about your snoring?
All of these could indicate that you have a condition called sleep apnea, which, if left untreated, could increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Patients with sleep apnea have trouble breathing while they sleep. And by trouble, we mean that patients actually stop breathing for at least 10 or more seconds.
Sounds serious, doesn’t it?
What’s even more serious, though, is that not every patient is aware they have a problem. Sometimes, a patient who’s stopped breathing may only wake up just enough to catch his or her breath before turning over and going back to sleep again.
But all this waking up can take its toll on the body. And, if your snoring is serious enough, your partner may be experiencing the same symptoms.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when airways become blocked or constricted. For instance, maybe a patient’s tongue is blocking his throat, or his soft tissues have relaxed too much. Regardless, air is having trouble getting through, and so it has to force its way through these strained passageways. That’s why you’re body keeps waking you up to breath and why you’re having trouble with snoring.
Sleep apnea isn’t a problem you just have to live with, though. With a custom made Oasys Sleep Snoring Device from Dr. Michel, patients can have the restful night of sleep they (and their partner) have been missing.
A custom made Oasys Sleep Snoring Device works by repositioning the lower jaw, ensuring that important airways remain open throughout the night. And with a more restful night of sleep, you can look forward to more energy and better concentration throughout your day.
Think you might have sleep apnea? Contact our Topeka office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel. We can help you understand your health and can talk to you about how an Oasys Sleep Snoring Device can help you get the rest you deserve.