Quality Sleep Is Important

Geoffry E. Hallstead, DMD, Sleep Apnea

Along with diet and exercise, quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of your overall health. When you don’t sleep well, you increase your risk of experiencing an accident or developing a serious health condition. If you wake in the morning not feeling rested or if you find yourself sleepy during the day, you may be suffering from a common sleep condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes patients to stop breathing for a short time due to the tongue blocking the airway and causing an obstruction. Each time you stop breathing, due to lack of oxygen, your brain is alerted to the disruption, causing you to wake. This process typically continues during your entire sleep period, whether you’re taking a nap or sleeping at night.

Are You Sleeping As Well As You Should Be?

Geoffry E. Hallstead, DMD, Sleep Apnea

Imagine you are having a conversation with a good friend and they begin to tell you that they feel like they stop breathing multiple times during the day when they are going about their daily activities. If you heard that, we are sure you would be extremely nervous for your friend and encourage them to see their doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation. That scenario, while scary, is something that actually happens, but instead of during the day, it happens at night while a person is sleeping. In fact, there is a chance that you or a loved one might be suffering from this condition and aren’t aware of the warning signs that you can look for. Continue reading to learn more about this condition.