Symptoms and Treatment

Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, and Citrus Heights, California

Sleep apnea detracts from the quality of your sleep. It can also affect your memory; even contribute to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Besides these, it also plays a large role in motor vehicle accidents, since people who suffer from sleep apnea live in a constant state of fatigue and can easily fall asleep at the wheel.

Signs and symptoms

One of the most recognizable symptoms you may notice is that your sleep is disrupted during the night. The other symptoms will probably be first noticed by your partner or family members. They might complain of your loud snoring. Or they could say you were gasping for air or choking during your sleep.

The cause for these symptoms is that you are unable to breathe properly while resting. This interrupted sleep often leaves you feeling groggy during the day. Maybe you struggle to stay awake despite how many cups of coffee you drink. You might feel exceptionally irritable or even depressed.

Some other indications that you could be suffering from sleep apnea include:

• Excruciating and mysterious headaches when you awake
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Difficulty concentrating and/or remembering
• Frequent urge to urinate during the night

Please keep in mind that not all of these symptoms signify a sleeping disorder. You may suffer from memory loss or frequent urination due to a number of other conditions. That is why it is so important to seek a professional diagnosis.

Treatment options

Dr. Miller might be able to alleviate your symptoms, and correct your sleep apnea by giving you a dental appliance to wear at night. If your tongue is pushing against your airway, and this is responsible for your interrupted breathing, Dr. Miller can fit you for a tongue-retaining device (which looks like a mouth guard).

If your sleep apnea is caused by a misaligned jaw, a different device may be inserted into your mouth or fastened to your head to align your jaw in its ideal position.

If your sleep apnea is caused by excessive tissue growth on either the back of your mouth, your tongue or your throat, surgery may be indicated to remove the blockage. In this case, Dr. Miller may refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon to perform this type of operation.

Dental vs. Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment

In any case, there is hope for your disrupted sleep. If you live in the Roseville, California area, and you are having difficulty sleeping, sleep apnea may be the culprit. Please contact our office today for a initial consultation. Why suffer through another night of restless sleep? We are here to help. Please call today.