Chronic fatigue can be very debilitating. You may find yourself ready for bed by the afternoon. You may have difficulties concentrating and focusing at work. You may wonder why you are tired all the time? Maybe you never thought to ask your dentist about fatigue but believe it or not, your dentist in Houston has an explanation and a solution for you!
Have You Heard of Sleep Apnea?
Chronic fatigue is one of the symptoms of sleep apnea. This is a dangerous sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans every night. When you suffer from sleep apnea, it causes you to stop breathing while you sleep, which signals your brain to wake you up. This can actually happen hundreds of times throughout the night and you may not even realize it. Sleep apnea causes symptoms such as:
- Difficulty focusing on tasks during the day
- Headaches and migraine
- Depression
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Because you are asleep at night, it can be hard to diagnose sleep apnea. One telltale sign of this disorder is loud snoring. You may also find yourself waking up with a cough or gasp for air. Your physician with a sleep study typically diagnoses sleep apnea. It monitors and records how many times you’re waking up during the night.
Treating Sleep Apnea
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Many patients have challenges with this type of treatment because it requires them to wear a mask at night while they sleep and this causes feelings of claustrophobia. Other patients find the machine to be too loud.
Dr. John H. Krell offers alternative solutions for patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea with oral appliances. A customized mouth guard can help to reposition the jaw slightly forward, which opens the airways for clear breathing during the night. For patients suffering from severe sleep apnea, oral appliances can be used in conjunction with CPAP therapy.
Contact Dr. Krell
If you suspect that you or a loved one could be suffering from sleep apnea, we encourage you to contact Dr. Krell and set up a consultation to learn more about how he can help you effectively manage your condition. He’s happy to partner with your primary physician to ensure that you are receiving the best treatment for your condition.
