If you or a loved one is suffering from disrupted, unrestful sleep because of the chronic snoring you may be dealing with a common problem affecting many. Whether you are the one jabbing your partner to stop the snoring all night long or are the one being shaken and kicked all night long while you sleep, you likely are fighting the effects of sleep apnea. While many people poke fun at their loved ones who snore, in reality, it is no laughing order- severe snoring can be a sign of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition that can lead to critical health risks.
Common OSA Symptoms
It is estimated that more than 30 million Americans suffer from some degree of OSA, and less than 1/4 of these are actually diagnosed. When it comes to the effects of sleep apnea there can be several varying degrees of severity. If you have OSA, you will likely be experiencing several of these symptoms:
- Chronic snoring
- Restless or disturbed sleep
- Periods without breathing
- Irritability or changes in behavior
- Stiff neck and jaw in the morning
- Daytime drowsiness and exhaustion
- Headaches and confusion
- Lack of concentration
- Periods of memory loss
- Irritability and moodiness
If not treated, OSA can worsen and the severe effects of sleep apnea can lead to issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hormone imbalance
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Hair loss
- Neurological issues
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Cancer risk increase
- Death risk increased
We can help
At Kopp Dental, we understand the devastating effects sleep apnea can bring, which is why we treat sleep apnea in Elmhurst. If you or a loved one are suffering from the effects of sleep apnea, call our office and let our team of experts help you find peace and rest at night again.
