Do You Think You Have Sleep Apnea? | Dentist in Riverside

Now that we are beginning a brand-new year, many of us have begun to make subtle lifestyle changes. One aspect that can really work wonders for our overall health is our sleep patterns. The more sleep we get, the more time our bodies have to heal and refresh. However, if you have a sleep condition, like sleep apnea, it is difficult to get those sleep benefits. For many of us, life’s stressors leave us sleepless more than we’d like. For others, the issue is far deeper than that. If you are one of these people, taking the time to figure out why you are having these issues and ways to improve those issues.

Facts are facts, one in five people have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleeping disorder that is caused by the constriction of throat muscles while you sleep, causing the inability to breathe. Once the brain realizes there is no breathing, it jolts the body awake to restart it. Breathing is restored, but sleep has been interrupted.

Unfortunately, it’s likely someone sleeping around you is more bothered by it than you are, but if you find you have the following symptoms, it’s time to get checked out:

• Loud snoring
• Sleepiness or fatigue during the day
• High blood pressure
• Choking or gasping during sleep witnessed by others
• Headaches, sore throat, dry mouth when you wake
• Frequent urination at night
• Poor concentration, reaction time, and/or memory
• Poor decision-making
• Loss of motivation, moodiness, loss of sex drive and work efficiency

A sleep study is the surefire way to diagnose any sleep issues you may have. If they find that it is OSA, there are ways to help you get your good night’s sleep back.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at (951) 470-3379 or through the website.

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.