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How can you know whether you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea?

According to the Key Sleep Disorders page in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea characteristically make periodic gasping or ‘snorting’ noises when sleep is interrupted by soft tissue blocking the air passage.

People with sleep apnea usually have trouble sleeping and may sleep too much, feel tired and have little energy due to lack of proper sleep.

While people may report all of the above, they are unlikely to report other symptoms like hopelessness, says Anne Wheaton, a CDC epidemiologist who recently led a study on sleep apnea.

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, a wide variety of treatments are available, to be used depending on the cause of the apnea and its severity.

Sleep apnea treatments may include:

• Weight loss;
• Use of nasal decongestants;
• Positional therapy;
• Surgery in both adults and children;
• Use of a breathing mask;
• Use of an oral appliance;

If you suspect you or a loved one shows symptoms of sleep apnea, talk to a doctor without delay. Your doctor may be able to direct you to a specialist who can treat sleep apnea.
Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have, your dentist may be able to provide you with an oral appliances or advice on getting one.

You can find a dentist for you and your family by searching on the FreeDentistFinder.com network of quality dentists.

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