Happy Thanksgiving. That Exhaustion You Feel After Dinner May Be Due To Sleep Apnea, Not The Turkey

November 22, 2017

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it is time to start preparing for indulging in the tasty foods and spending time with your loved ones. For many people, the perfect post-Thanksgiving activity is a nap. Although the tryptophan in turkey and the excessive consumption of food takes most of the blame for the post-meal exhaustion, it might actually stem from something else: sleep apnea in Waco, TX. This is a common condition that could lead to or be caused by serious conditions. That is why our dentists, Dr. Miller and Dr. Hinds, discuss health issues with patients who exhibit symptoms or are at risk of the disorder.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

This disorder is defined as having periods during the night when you sleep that you stop breathing, so oxygen does not appropriately oxygenate the circulatory system. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and complex. The most common one is obstructive, in which the muscles in the throat relax and obstruct the airway. Sometimes, the brain just doesn’t signal correctly, leading to central sleep apnea. Those who have both obstructive and central are considered to have complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Many people who suffer from sleep apnea do not realize they have it. The most common symptoms include:

• Daytime tiredness
• Snoring
• Headaches in the morning
• Dry mouth or sore throat
• Problems paying attention
• Awakening abruptly during the night, especially if short of breath
• Another person witnesses lack of breath during sleep

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially snoring and excessive daytime drowsiness, then you should discuss it with your doctor.

Associated Disorders

At times, this disorder is actually a symptom of a much more serious condition, or it might increase your risk of having one. Those who have congestive heart disease are much more likely to suffer from it than those without. Older people, those who have had a stroke, men, postmenopausal women and individuals with weight issues have a higher risk of developing it.

 Learn More

Contact our office online or call (254) 870-9026 today to schedule an appointment with our dentists, Dr. Miller and Dr. Hinds. They will discuss your concerns and determine if you might be at risk of this disorder.

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