What’s Causing Your Sleep Apnea? By Hoover, AL’s Favorite Dentists
Your favorite Hoover, AL dentists have something interesting to tell you, but first, a few questions: Do you find yourself struggling to stay awake during the day? Do you drift off while reading or watching television? Are you agitated and irritable due to lack of sleep? Does your partner mention your snoring? These symptoms may be signs of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by unnatural pauses in your breathing that cause you to wake up and gasp for breath. You may not even remember these brief periods of wakefulness, but your body certainly feels the effects.
What causes sleep apnea? Your Hoover, AL dentists know – and you may be surprised.
Gender – Kind Of
Historically, sleep apnea has been regarded as an “overweight men’s disease,” but that’s not entirely true. While both obesity and being male can increase someone’s likelihood of developing sleep apnea, post-menopausal women are just as likely to be affected as their male counterparts.
High Altitude
Have you ever gone on a hike only to find your breathing strained as you climb higher and higher? That’s altitude hard at work, and it affects your breathing while you’re sleeping, too. The change in oxygen at higher altitudes can make you unwittingly begin alternating between shallow, irregular breathing and hyperventilation (rapid breathing), leading to sleep apnea.
Your Medication
Though prescriptions are generally safe when used in the manner dictated by your prescribing physician, some medications – particularly a group of pain medications called opiates – can affect your breathing and cause it to become slower and/or irregular. Always begin your Perrigo dental appointment by updating your dentist in Hoover with any new medications or dosage changes so you can get the customized, fully-informed care you deserve.
A Solution for Sleep Apnea From Your Hoover, AL Dentists
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, a visit to Perrigo Dental Care in Hoover, AL may be your first step towards a sound night’s sleep. Hoover dentists offer various treatment options, which essentially allows patients to peacefully sleep throughout the night!
To explore your options for sleep apnea solutions, schedule a consultation with the top dentists in Hoover, AL. Isn’t it time you woke up feeling rested and refreshed?
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our dental office in Hoover, AL would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
