What Your Daytime Headaches Could Really Mean

pretty african american woman suffering from headache while lying in bed

Do you wake up feeling tired despite having a full night’s rest? What about waking up with a headache that never really seems to subside? Even more, do you feel constantly fatigued throughout the day, even falling asleep during regular activities? If any of these circumstances sound familiar, chances are, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. This can be caused by an obstructed airway and results in a slew of negative side effects. Fortunately, the team at Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX can help shed a little light on what this disorder really means for your oral health.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which airflow is consistently stopped and resumed during a night’s rest. It can be potentially serious and dangerous if left unattended, and may require devices to help alleviate. It can come in a few different forms, including obstructive (OSA) where the throat muscles relax, central (CSA) which occurs when the brain is unable to send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing, or complex which exhibits a combination of both OSA and CSA.

When you experience this phenomenon, your breathing stops and starts in episodes throughout the night and can leave you feeling exhausted, as your body is working hard throughout the night to attempt to regulate your breathing. If you believe you may be experiencing sleep apnea, contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment and learn more.

How It Relates to your Oral Health

Oftentimes, this disorder can be prevented or managed with the help of a device or other treatment discussed during your routine preventive dental examination. The purpose is to correct the flow of air while unconscious so as not to overwork the muscles involved. Seeking treatment in a timely manner will not only alleviate your snoring or other side effects, but enhance your quality of oral health overall.

Common Side Effects

So based on this information, how do you know if you suffer from sleep apnea, and how can you prevent it? Common symptoms include loud snoring, periodic episodes of stopped or delayed breathing, gasping for air while unconscious, morning headaches, difficulties staying asleep at night or staying awake during the day, awakening with a dry mouth, and even irritability.

While this disorder can affect anyone, there are certain risk factors that can increase the risk. These factors include being overweight, use of alcohol, smoking, family history, preexisting medical conditions, and more. Contact us to learn more about the signs and symptoms.

Learn More About How We Can Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing nighttime apnea or suspicion of it, do not hesitate to contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX by calling (281) 592-1234 today.