According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, experts in face, mouth, and jaw surgeries, about 1 in 5 adults has at least mild sleep apnea. Children experience it, too. This is characterized by loud snoring, and/or waking up suddenly while gasping for air. Usually, someone else in the bedroom will make you aware of your behaviors.
Some of the causes of sleep apnea are blocked nasal passages, or a larger-than-normal tongue or tonsils. The airway muscles of apnea sufferers often collapse when they are asleep. It is considered a significant condition that makes sufferers overtired, unable to concentrate, and prone to memory loss. Some physical disorders are also linked to this condition.
Depending upon the severity of the apnea, the solution could be in behavior modification, a mouth appliance worn at night, or a C-PAP machine. More severe apnea must be treated by surgery that opens the airway.
So when someone accuses you of “keeping them up all night”, ask more questions!
Contact Winterset Dental to schedule your appointment.