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Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Your Health in Bellevue, WA

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Improve Your Health, Improve Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, it affects your life in many ways. Aside from feeling tired and foggy all the time, you might notice that your physical health has suffered as well. When we don’t get adequate sleep, it affects every system in our body. If we continue to be deprived of proper sleep, our bodies and minds will continue to worsen. Studies have shown there’s a clear link between sleep apnea and mental health.

Here at the Sleep Apnea & Facial Pain Center, our sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Jeff Doneskey, helps our patients improve their entire lives by improving their sleep patterns and overall health habits. If you have sleep apnea and live in Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Seattle, or the surrounding areas, we’d love to meet with you and see how we can help you feel better in every way. 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is interrupted breathing throughout the night. But unless you completely wake yourself up when your body is gasping for air, you might not even know it’s happening. Here are some other symptoms of sleep apnea to watch out for:

  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Loud or excessive snoring
  • Irritability during the day
  • Waking up with a headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Impaired memory
  • Reduced libido
  • Frequent urination during the night

If you’ve been experiencing several of these symptoms for awhile, schedule an appointment with our sleep apnea dentist right away. Our team is here to help you. 

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea affects people of all ages, and anyone can develop the sleep disorder. However, some people are more vulnerable to sleep apnea than others. For example, men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, and the risk increases with age. Additional risk factors for sleep apnea include:

  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Pregnancy 

If you fall into one of these high-risk groups, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Doneskey to discuss your symptoms. As our resident dentist and sleep specialist, he’ll take the time to understand your condition and find the most effective solution for you.

The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The idea of getting treatment for sleep apnea might seem daunting, but it’s very important to never ignore your symptoms. Not only does sleep apnea affect your quality of sleep, but it can also take a toll on your mental and physical health. The condition causes a severe reduction in your oxygen levels, which impacts your ability to function properly and effectively.

Chronic sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, increasing your vulnerability to disease and infection. This leaves you more susceptible to serious health problems, like stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and more. Unfortunately, sleep apnea has also been linked to several mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Seeking immediate treatment will help safeguard your complete well-being and protect yourself from further complications in the future.

Tips for Improving Your Health 

Seeking treatment from a professional sleep specialist is vital, but you can also reduce your sleep apnea symptoms naturally by improving your overall health. Dr. Doneskey will discuss your best options with you as he creates your customized treatment plan. However, in general, these are some fantastic healthy habits to develop to combat your sleep apnea:

  • Quitting smoking, if you haven’t already
  • Cutting back on alcohol or eliminating it entirely
  • Regular exercise
  • Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
  • Stick to a strict sleep schedule to help regulate your body
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom

Investing in your health is always a good decision, whether or not you have a sleep disorder. These things will help you feel better while you’re getting treatment for sleep apnea with our dentist. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of sleep apnea?
I think I may suffer from sleep apnea. What do I do?
Is a sleep study necessary?
How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?
What are the main types of sleep apnea?

There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). The most common form, OSA occurs when a blockage in the airway prevents you from breathing properly. This causes you to repeatedly wake up gasping for air throughout the night. OSA can be a result of weakened or inflamed throat muscles, or your tongue falling to the back of your throat.

CSA is a less common type of the sleep disorder. Unlike OSA, this condition occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to your body to regulate your breathing while sleeping. The symptoms of CSA are similar to OSA, but additional symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath.

I think I may suffer from sleep apnea. What do I do?

If you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea, give us a call at (425) 646-6409 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Doneskey. He’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, assess your health, and determine with you, if a sleep study is needed. 

Once you receive a proper diagnosis, Dr. Doneskey will discuss your treatment options and help determine the best solution for your condition. He’s the leading oral medicine specialist in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.

Is a sleep study necessary?

Yes, a sleep study, also called a polysomnography, is the only way to properly diagnose sleep disorders including sleep apnea. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, like fatigue and daytime sleepiness, your doctor will probably suggest a sleep study. 

The test uses a non-invasive monitor to measure possible disruptions in the pattern of your sleep throughout the night. This includes your oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, snoring, body activity, and eye movements. Sleep studies are typically conducted for at least seven hours to get a good understanding of your condition.

How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?

When coupled with professional treatment, making certain lifestyle changes may be beneficial in reducing sleep apnea symptoms. Some effective natural remedies include:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Regular exercise ⎼ yoga specifically promotes oxygen flow
  • Change your sleep position, also referred to as positional therapy
  • Use a humidifier to open your airways
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

Say Goodbye to Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea in Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah or Seattle, we’re here to help. Dr. Donesky, your sleep apnea dentist, provides custom treatments that allow you to achieve a restful night’s sleep once again.

To schedule your consultation, contact our Bellevue, WA office at (425) 646-6409 or fill out a convenient online contact form. We look forward to helping you get the full night’s sleep you deserve.

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