Did you know that Dr. Stephen J. Burds offers sleep apnea treatment at Gateway Dental Group? You have probably heard about sleep apnea in the news but may not know much about this sleep disorder. In recent years, more medical research has been devoted to understanding sleep apnea. Although research is still being conducted, there are some facts you should know. Our staff has composed a list of sleep apnea information below to help raise awareness for our readers and community.
The Basics About Sleep Apnea
People with sleep apnea experience short pauses in breathing throughout the night. This is caused by soft tissues in your airways obstructing your ability to breathe. When you experience an apnea, your sleep cycle is disrupted. Most adults in the United States don’t even know they have sleep apnea. Estimates show that as many as 20% of American adults have some form of sleep apnea.
Who Gets Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can affect wide demographics. People of all ethnicities have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. However, the medical community attributes obesity, smoking, certain medications, and alcohol consumption as contributors to the disease. Men are also more likely to have sleep apnea than women.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Snoring often accompanies sleep apnea
- Feeling tired and groggy even after 8 hours of sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up with a headache
- Lacking concentration during the day
- Suffering from depression
- Waking up with nighttime chest pains
- Having high blood pressure
If you feel you might have sleep apnea or that you are not getting the rest you need, you may benefit from taking a short questionnaire on our website. Dr. Burds has established a partnership with a sleep clinic in De Moines and can help get you sleeping restfully again. To schedule an appointment, contact Gateway Dental Group at (515) 244-9565. We serve Kirkwood Glen, River Bend, East Village, and the communities in Des Moines.