Do you find yourself feeling exhausted even after a full night's rest? Have you been dealing with mood swings or depression? Do you sometimes wake up with headaches? Are you regularly accused of waking your bed partner with loud snoring?
If you find that one or more of these scenarios are true for you, you might be suffering from sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing throughout the night, usually due to an obstructed airway. The lack of air signals your brain to wake you up to start breathing again. This can happen multiple times throughout the night, even hundreds of times in severe cases of sleep apnea.
Some of the common signs of sleep apnea in Gretna, LA:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping and coughing
- Sore or dry throat
- Pauses during breathing
- Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
When to Seek Sleep Apnea Treatment in Gretna
If you've noticed any of these symptoms, or you're keeping your bed partner awake with loud snoring, it may be time to seek out sleep apnea treatment.
Some of the impacts of sleep apnea on your health and well-being are:
- Chronic fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Headaches or migraines
- Heart failure
- Mood swings or depression
- Difficulties concentrating, or brain fog
The standard for care for sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy requires patients to wear a mask during sleep, which some people find difficult.
At NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry, we offer alternative solutions for mild to moderate sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance. Many patients find that an oral appliance doesn't disturb their sleep as much as wearing a mask does. Dr. Shafer works closely with your general physician to ensure that your sleep apnea treatment in Gretna, LA, is effective.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation in Gretna
Talk with our team at (504) 392-5104 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Shafer.