Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes patients to stop breathing during the night. The lack of oxygen signals your body to wake up, and it can actually be happening hundreds of times throughout the night without you even realizing it. This typically occurs due to an obstructed airway, which restricts airflow while you sleep.
Sleep apnea is dangerous because it can be a contributing factor to a host of different health concerns, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent headaches or migraines
Along with the many health concerns related to sleep apnea, it also dramatically affects your quality of life. Due to the lack of restful sleep, you may find yourself feeling exhausted during the day and unable to concentrate on tasks. The fatigue caused by sleep apnea even contributes to a higher risk of car accidents.
The good news is that there are solutions for sleep apnea that can help you get the good night's rest you need and deserve.
CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy, helps many patients manage their sleep apnea effectively. Kingsport dentist, Dr. Andrew Hagan, also creates customized oral appliances designed to open airways during sleep that are simple and comfortable to wear.
Contact Hagan Dentistry today if you think that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea in Kingsport.