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Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Your Health

  • What is Sleep Apnea?
  • Causes and Symptoms
  • Sleep Apnea Treatments
  • Hazards of Untreated Sleep Apnea
  • Snoring & Relationships

Risk Factors Associated with Sleep Apnea

While sleep apnea can affect both men and women at almost any age, there are several key risk factors that increase an individual’s likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea. For example, men are almost twice as likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women.

Obesity is another condition that has long been associated with sleep apnea as a critical risk factor. Men who have a neck size 17 inches or greater and women with a neck size of 16 inches or greater have an increased probability of developing sleep apnea.

Smoking, drinking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of sleep apnea also make you more vulnerable to the condition. Biological factors such as the size of your tongue, tonsils, jaw, and airway present additional risk factors.

woman sitting on bed frustrated as husband sits on other side of bed facing away from her

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Because obstructive sleep apnea episodes occur as patients sleep, the condition frequently goes unnoticed. Even though the condition causes a number of daytime symptoms, unless you know what to look for, symptoms like fatigue and irritability can be easily overlooked.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following conditions, we urge you to visit our dentist in Kenilworth for a screening as soon as possible:

  • Restless sleep
  • Heavy snoring or snorting sounds while sleeping
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness or fatigue
  • Depression or irritability
  • Headaches
  • Pauses in breathing or gasping noises during sleep
  • Dry mouth and dry throat when you wake up in the morning

If you’re at risk or exhibiting sleep apnea symptoms, we’ll help you get a sleep study completed and coordinate treatment with your physician once an official diagnosis has been made.

Long-term Impact of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The effects of sleep apnea go further than impairing an individual’s ability to sleep. Ongoing studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea complicates or increase your chances of developing a number of serious secondary health problems. Secondary health conditions tied to sleep apnea include:

  • Strokes
  • Hypertension
  • Heart attack
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Insulin resistance
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Beyond those secondary conditions, sleep apnea and the fatigue associated with it have been noted to directly correlate with an array of other problems including accidents at work or on the road, cardiopulmonary problems, and weight gain and diabetes.

woman sitting up in bed at night frustrated

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
What are potential risk factors for sleep apnea?
Are there consequences associated with untreated sleep apnea?
What type of treatments are available for obstructive sleep apnea?
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Daytime Symptoms

  • Poor concentration
  • Depression or irritability
  • Excessive daytime fatigue
  • Falling asleep during routine activities
  • Waking with a headache

Nighttime Symptoms

  • Restless sleep
  • Frequent urination
  • Loud or disruptive snoring
  • Gasping or choking while you sleep
  • Sudden pauses in breathing
What are potential risk factors for sleep apnea?

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, there are a few physical traits that increase your risk of being affected by this sleep disorder. They are as follows:

  • Excess tissue in your airway/back of the throat
  • A large neck or tongue
  • Obesity

Are there consequences associated with untreated sleep apnea?

If you’re diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and decide not to treat it, there is a possibility of the condition becoming fatal. Further consequences range from high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart attack. Patients have also exhibited strokes, fatigue-related car accidents, and an overall decrease in their quality of life.

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, we recommend contacting our office and scheduling a consultation with Dr. Dani, your qualified sleep dentist in Kenilworth, IL.

What type of treatments are available for obstructive sleep apnea?

There are several options for treating sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, CPAP machines, and oral appliances. Once you’ve received an official diagnosis, Dr. Dani and your primary care doctor will work with you to determine which treatment is best for your unique situation and lifestyle.

Your Sleep Apnea Dentist in Kenilworth

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, arrange a consultation with our dentist in Kenilworth right away. Dr. Dani will coordinate your diagnosis and treatment so you get the care you need.

Hours

Monday

By Appointment Only

Tues – Wed

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Friday

By Appointment Only

Saturday

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Contact Dr. Dani Today!

Call (847) 268-3439

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any additional questions about how we can help you get the care you need. Your health is too important. Just give us a call or submit the online request the form and one of our friendly team members will get right back to you.

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New Patients: 847-268-3439

Current Patients: 847-256-7700

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Kenilworth Dental Associates
432 Green Bay Rd.
Kenilworth, IL 60043