Could Your Partner Have Sleep Apnea?

Could Your Partner Have Sleep Apnea?

There’s nothing quite like sinking into a comfortable bed to get some much-needed shut-eye after a long day’s work. But then, your partner starts snoring, and you end up lying awake for hours. Could sleep apnea be to blame? Consider scheduling an appointment with the dentist to find out about oral appliance therapy that can effectively treat the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Snoring
Plenty of people snore despite not having sleep apnea. But if your partner snores loudly and frequently, it’s worth getting it checked out. Treating sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy or CPAP therapy will put a stop to the snoring, and allow you and your partner to sleep better at night.
Gasping for Air
Snoring by itself doesn’t automatically indicate sleep apnea. Before reaching for the earplugs, pay attention to your partner’s breathing as he or she sleeps. People with sleep apnea periodically cease to breathe during sleep. They then briefly awaken, which may be accompanied by a gasping noise.
Waking up Frequently to Urinate
If you’re a light sleeper, you might be awakened when your partner gets out of bed. Provided he or she isn’t a sleepwalker, these nighttime wanderings are probably trips to the bathroom. People with sleep apnea tend to wake up more frequently to relieve themselves.
Waking up with a Headache
Have you noticed your partner rubbing his or her forehead while drinking a morning cup of coffee? Sleep apnea sufferers often have headaches upon waking up. It’s caused by lowered oxygen levels in the brain.
Being Diagnosed with Related Medical Conditions
Other potential indicators that your partner might have sleep apnea include being diagnosed with other medical conditions. People with the following issues are more likely to also have sleep apnea:

  • Overweight or obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia

If you suspect your partner might have sleep apnea, you can encourage him or her to visit the Tucson dental practice of John Carson, DDS. We offer effective oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, along with comprehensive radiology services. Call (520) 514-7203.