Sleep apnea is a common but underdiagnosed condition in which patients stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while asleep. Often, patients who struggle with sleep apnea also snore loudly and all throughout the night. That’s not always the case, but if you or your partner struggles with loud snoring, learning more about sleep apnea—and even seeking a diagnosis from your State College doctor—would be a good idea.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Irritability
- Morning headaches
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat or dry mouth
If left untreated, sleep apnea patients can experience a wide variety of complications, some of them life-threatening. Advanced complications of sleep apnea include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Memory loss
- Sudden and premature death
Thankfully, treatment for sleep apnea is possible. Patients from State College and beyond can enjoy comfortable care through sleep apnea therapy, allowing them to enjoy a more restful, peaceful night of sleep.
Call your State College dentist to find out more about sleep apnea or to schedule a consultation visit. Treating sleep apnea early is important for preventing advanced complications from developing. Then, once more is known your specific needs, a fully customized treatment plan—which could include CPAP or oral appliance therapy—can be put together by your local doctor.
