It may be tempting to blame your fatigue on the recent time change. After all, setting the clock forward one hour has been shown to mess with our circadian rhythms and make us more vulnerable to sleep deprivation. However, if you consistently suffer from daytime tiredness, then there are probably other factors at play. It’s worth getting evaluated for a condition called sleep apnea. Here are some common warning signs of sleep apnea that might sound familiar to you:
- Snoring
- Sleepiness during the day
- Frequent waking during the night
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and forgetfulness
- Hypertension
- Anxiety or depression
- Night sweats
It’s possible to have some of these symptoms without realizing it. For example, you may not be aware that you’re coughing or gasping for air while you sleep. Often, bed partners are the ones who notice these signs that something is wrong. They can be key to a sleep apnea diagnosis.
Sleep apnea treatment can help you get restful and uninterrupted sleep. However, the benefits don’t stop there. Treating sleep apnea can reduce your risk of heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and liver complications. It’s a significant step toward better overall health.
Be aware that sleep apnea can affect anyone. However, it’s more common in individuals who are overweight, older, or have a family history of sleep apnea. It’s also more likely to impact men, smokers, and those who use alcohol or sedatives. Keep these risk factors in mind.
Contact Our Sleep Apnea Dentist in Oakton
Sleep apnea affects millions of people. Many of them don’t even know it. If you’ve experienced some or all of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to schedule an appointment. Our Oakton dentist diagnoses sleep apnea and can often treat it without a CPAP machine.
Call 703-319-6990 to book a sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Michael Chung. Softouch Dental Care welcomes patients from Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
