Snoring & Sleep Apnea Solutions | Markham Dentist | Cornell Dental Centre
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea robs people of vitality, health, and sometimes life itself. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you are very likely to fall asleep anywhere and everywhere, even while driving. Heavy snoring disrupts your sleep and that of your family. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is surprisingly common, debilitating potentially fatal, treatable and frequently unrecognized. You don’t have to waste your prime years; treatment for sleep apnea can restore health and vigour so you can have the energy to do the things you enjoy in your life.Snoring Is Not Necessarily Sleep Apnea
It is important to distinguish between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Many people snore but they don’t have sleep apnea. It’s estimated that approximately 30% to 50% of the population snores at one time or another. Still, loud habitual snoring is usually a precursor to OSA. Even a social inconvenience like snoring can require treatment, and there are several options available to chronic snorers at Cornell Dental Centre.Identifying and Treating OSA
Unlike simple snoring, obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. If you have the above symptoms, please contact Cornell Dental Centre, and we’ll determine if you have sleep apnea!
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Those who have OSA are often unaware of their condition and think they sleep well. The symptoms that usually cause these individuals to seek help are daytime drowsiness or complaints of snoring and breathing cessations observed by a bed partner. Other symptoms may include:
Snoring with pauses in breathing (apnea)
Excessive daytime drowsiness
Gasping or choking during sleep
Restless sleep
Problem with mental function
Poor judgment/can’t focus
Memory loss
Quick to anger
High blood pressure
Nighttime chest pain
Depression
Problem with excess weight
Large neck (>17″ around in men, >16″ around in women)
Airway crowding
Morning headaches
Reduced libido
Frequent trips to the bathroom at night