Did you know that the Richmond Smile Center offers treatment for their patients who snore or have sleep apnea? As we spend a third of our lives sleeping, Dr. Charles Martin and his staff wants to ensure that our patients get the full night’s sleep they need so that they can function to the best of their abilities. Emerging research has shown that those who snore habitually and people with sleep apnea are less rested and more susceptible to disease. Without proper rest, you are vulnerable to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is when you cease breathing for short periods of time throughout the night. This occurs because the soft tissues in the mouth relax during sleep, ultimately constricting your breathing passages. When you stop breathing, it normally wakes you up throughout the night which inhibits your ability to progress through your natural sleep cycles that provide the quality of rest you need.
What are Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Many patients with sleep apnea are tired throughout the day, even if they believe they got a full night’s sleep. Other patients may wake up with a headache or experience depression. Chances are if you or your spouse notices that you are choking and gasping in the night, you have sleep apnea.
Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Patients who snore might have sleep apnea. In many sleep apnea cases, snoring is a symptom. Overweight patients are also at risk because they tend to have bulky throat tissues that obstruct breathing airways. Those who smoke and consume alcohol increase their risks for developing sleep apnea as well.
If you feel you’re not getting quality sleep or you think you might have symptoms of sleep apnea, contact the Richmond Smile Center today at (804) 417-7203. We serve patients in Richmond, Virginia, and the surrounding areas.
