Our sleep is constantly being compromised, which in turn compromises our daily life. We easily accept the fact that we’re poor sleepers, unlucky snorers and simply have bad nights. What we need to do is question why we’re not getting the shut-eye we deserve, and understand if sleep apnea is the culprit.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder during which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. When someone suffers from sleep apnea their breathing is interrupted and/or becomes abnormal multiple times during sleep. You might not be aware of this but, in addition to compromising restful sleep and negatively affecting daily life, sleep apnea affects the body’s oxygen supply, which can trigger other health issues such as:
- High blood pressure or heart problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Strokes
- Liver problems
- Complications with medications and surgery
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
Sleep apnea red flags
In addition to taking our sleep apnea quiz, these are some of the warning signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Choking or snorting sounds during sleep
- Waking up without feeling rested and energised
- Waking up with a dry mouth and/or sore throat
- Waking up with a headache
- Insomnia (difficulty staying asleep)
- Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness)
- Difficulty concentrating while awake
- Irritability/Impatience
What does sleep apnea have to do with oral health?
The answer is: everything. Dentistry plays a fundamental role in assessing and treating sleep apnea and snoring. At the White Clinic, we are proud to be leaders in Sleep Therapy in Portugal: thanks to advanced technology, such as the Fotona Nightlase, and years of experience in the field, our carefully constructed sleep device and closely monitored treatment protocol has helped patients get their restorative sleep back, putting a stop to uncontrollable snoring and preventing sleep apnea from reoccurring.
Sleep = Wellbeing
Quality sleep is essential for more than just rest and replenishing energy. It plays a crucial role in our ability to function, maintain good health, and perform optimally in all areas of life. Sleep contributes to our happiness, relaxation, and stress reduction. It is also vital for healthy aging. Our minds and bodies rely on it.
Our expert team is here to help you treat your sleep apnea, improve your sleep cycle and boost your quality of life.
