What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is defined as the interruption of breathing while you are sleeping. When this occurs, your oxygen levels get too low and your brain tries to wake you so you can breathe again. You may wake up with a gasp or a loud snort, making it impossible to get a full night of sleep.
This can lead to other serious health problems, such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, sexual dysfunction, strokes and heart attacks.
Symptoms of sleep apnea:
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Excessive fatigue during the day
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Insomnia
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Nightmares
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Snoring
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Depression
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Dry mouth or throat
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Headache
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Irritability and mood swings
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Weight gain
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Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
How we can help…
Virginia Dental Center is equipped to help treat your sleep apnea. It begins with an initial sleep apnea screening that monitors your sleep cycle. Depending on your screening, we may refer you to a sleep specialist. In some cases, you may need a dental device to help open your airways while you sleep.