Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects 1 in 6 people. It has the potential to be extremely dangerous to your health, as it greatly raises your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea involves your airways being blocked during sleep, which causes you to wake up possibly hundreds of times per night without knowing it. Risk factors for developing sleep apnea include weight gain, alcohol or sedative use, a large neck, smoking, gender (male), age, and high blood pressure.

Often the first obvious sign of sleep apnea is loud snoring on a regular basis. If your spouse wakes you up by snoring-or to tell you that you’re snoring-you’ll want to ask yourself or your partner these questions:

• Have you ever slept all night just to wake up feeling exhausted?
• Do you often wake up with headaches?
• Do you have a tendency to fall asleep in the middle of the day, maybe even at inconvenient times like meetings?
• Are you afraid you might fall asleep at the wheel?

All of these are symptoms of sleep apnea. Thankfully this condition is highly treatable. If you live in the Chicago area and think you or a loved one may be suffering from this serious sleep disorder, contact University Associates in Dentistry at 312-704-5511 and learn about our alternative treatments and devices today.

You may think you can handle the tiredness you feel often, but there are other risks associated with your sleep apnea . Don’t let your future be dictated by your disorders of today. Visit your dentist, and ask about sleep apnea treatments right away.

Heart Attacks
Sleep apnea sufferers also have a higher likelihood to suffer from heart disease. The cause is not completely known, but it is believed to be linked to the body’s intake of oxygen. When you wake up throughout the night, your body’s oxygen intake is interrupted, which can interrupt the brain’s ability to control the blood flow throughout your body.

High Blood Pressure
Along with the possibility of heart attacks and strokes comes the probability that you have or will develop high blood pressure. As you constantly wake up, your hormones may start to fluctuate significantly, which will raise your blood pressure throughout the day.

Car Accidents
It makes sense that if you are regularly tired, your reflexes will be uncoordinated and slowed. This can put you at a higher risk for falling asleep on the road and getting involved in a car accident. You may also be at risk for other accidents and falls you normally wouldn’t have with full and regular sleep.

Weight Gain
Overweight patients are likely to suffer from sleep apnea due to the extra weight pressing on their neck. If you are not overweight but suffer from sleep apnea, you may start gaining weight. Due to the sleep loss, your body will release a hormone that makes you crave sweets and carbs. You may find yourself so tired that you turn to unhealthy foods and drinks in hopes they will wake you up. This is unsafe and could lead to further problems.

If you’re ready for sleep apnea treatments in Chicago, call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. Our experienced dentists can help with your sleep apnea, dental implants, and teeth bonding. Whatever you need, we can provide, so call us to schedule your appointment today.

Did you know that a dentist can help with sleep apnea treatment in Chicago? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a patient’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and is linked to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure and heart problems, and diabetes. It is important to report any symptoms of snoring or waking during the night to your dentist and primary care doctor. Here is how your dentist may treat your sleep apnea:

Sleep Apnea Appliance / Mouth Guard
Most people think of a dentist as providing essential oral health care, including teeth implants, Invisalign, and veneers. While a dentist certainly cares for patients’ teeth, only a dentist can provide customized mouth guard/sleep apnea appliance to assist in breathing. For mild sleep apnea, a dentist will create an adjustable mouthpiece /mouth guard to keep your lower jaw and tongue in the proper position to open your airways while you sleep.

Other Options:
Orthodontics can also help people with sleep apnea. Irregularities such as overbite, injuries, birth defects, and a misaligned jaw can block airway space. This can lead to sleep apnea. Orthodontics can help by realigning the jaw and changing the pattern of one’s bite, leading to better breathing and better sleep!

University Associates in Dentistry is pleased to offer its clients in the Chicago area the very latest in dental treatments. Whether you want to know more about sleep apnea treatment or are interested in cosmetic dentistry solutions such as veneers and Invisalign, call (312) 704-5511 to schedule an appointment today.