You wake up exhausted despite eight hours spent in bed. Your partner complains about loud snoring, and you find yourself nodding off during afternoon meetings. Sound familiar? You might be among the millions of Americans living with undiagnosed sleep apnea—a condition that's silently wreaking havoc on your health.
Understanding the Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea isn't a one-size-fits-all condition:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when muscles in the throat and tongue relax, blocking the airway during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the breathing muscles.
- Complex sleep apnea combines both types, which creates a particularly challenging situation.
All types disrupt your sleep cycles, leaving you feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate. You may feel like you're running on empty, even after a full night's sleep.
Sleep Apnea's Hidden Daily Impact
Poor sleep isn’t all that’s affected by this condition. You might notice difficulty concentrating at work, mood swings, morning headaches, or decreased libido. Many dismiss these symptoms as stress from busy lifestyles, not realizing they result from this treatable sleep disorder.
Serious Long-Term Health Risks
The sleep apnea health risks New Orleans residents face extend far beyond daytime fatigue. Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of:
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Weakened immune system
Your Dentist: An Unexpected Sleep Apnea Detective
Many people don't know that the best sleep apnea dentist in New Orleans can often spot early warning signs during routine checkups. At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, located at 816 Behrman Hwy in Gretna, our team looks for symptoms like worn teeth from grinding, enlarged tongue, or jaw positioning that suggest sleep-disordered breathing.
Dental professionals can identify these signs and recommend a sleep study or refer you to specialists for a thorough evaluation.
Get a Good Night's Rest
Sleep apnea treatment in Gretna, LA, begins with proper diagnosis and can dramatically improve your quality of life, energy levels, and long-term health outcomes. Contact NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry today to discuss your symptoms and learn how we can help.