Why am I tired every day? It could be obstructive sleep apnea
- Posted on: Dec 15 2019
Dr. Paul Covell meets with patients on a regular basis who may be dealing with coexisting conditions impacting their oral or overall health. When patients are struggling with daytime fatigue, even when they are sleeping through the night, they may not understand that they could be dealing with a condition impacting their rest called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is more than just snoring when one sleeps. The condition is actually caused by a blockage in the airway. This blockage may be soft tissues or the tongue. The patient cannot breath, gasps awake, and then falls back asleep. The cycle can occur hundreds of times in one night, and patients never reach the deep sleep they need to feel their best the following day. These patients often complain of feeling tired each day, and are often shocked to find out from their dentist that a sleeping disorder is impacting their quality of life.
What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
OSA is often a result of blockage caused by the jaw alignment, the tongue, or soft tissues in the throat area. When the airway is blocked during sleep, it awakens the patient. This cycle is often detrimental to one’s ability to get a good night’s rest and often goes years before patients get a proper diagnosis. This is because most of the symptoms of OSA may be related to other health problems and concerns. The best way to test for obstructive sleep apnea and get a proper diagnosis is with a sleep study. This may be in or outside of the home, and tracks that way in which a patient sleeps at night. Once diagnosed, patients can ask their doctor about treatment options.
How is OSA treated?
Many patients who are diagnosed through their physician may be advised to use a CPAP machine, which has to be worn every night. However, traveling with a CPAP machine can be difficult, and patients may want something more discreet and comfortable. Dr. Paul Covell often recommends oral appliance therapy, where patients wear a special mouthguard that can align the jaw and open the airways. This treatment can be just as effective as the CPAP machine, and patients often have better compliance with it versus alternative solutions.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Paul Covell of Pasadena, TX
Call (713) 943-9832 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Covell and speak to our provider at 4010 Vista Road. We welcome new and existing patients into our facility for comprehensive dental care.
Posted in: Sleep Apnea
