What Is Sleep Apnea? Signs, Symptoms, and How a Dentist Can Help
Do you wake up feeling tired, even after what should have been a full night’s rest?
Maybe your partner notices your snoring, or you find yourself struggling to stay awake during the day. If that sounds familiar, sleep apnea could be the reason. Sleep apnea is more common than many people realize, and here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we can offer solutions that may help you finally get the rest you’ve been missing.
What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These pauses can last just a few seconds but may occur dozens (or even hundreds) of times while you sleep.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much, causing the airway to narrow or close. When that airway is blocked, your body struggles to get enough oxygen, leading to restless nights and daytime fatigue.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Some symptoms are obvious, but others can be easy to overlook. Here are a few of the most common signs of sleep apnea:
Loud, chronic snoring
Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
Gasping or choking sounds at night
Morning headaches
Daytime drowsiness, even after “enough” sleep
Trouble focusing or concentrating
Irritability or mood swings
If you notice these symptoms, or your partner has pointed them out, it may be time to get checked for sleep apnea.
Why Sleep Apnea Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep, it can impact your overall health in serious ways. Left untreated, it has been linked to:
High blood pressure
Heart problems
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Depression and anxiety
Getting treatment can not only improve your quality of rest but also help protect your long-term health.
How Goehring Dental Can Help with Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Here’s something many people don’t realize: dentists can play an important role in treating sleep apnea.
At Goehring Dental, we offer NightLase® treatment, a gentle laser therapy designed to reduce snoring and improve airway function. NightLase® works by tightening the tissues in the throat, helping to keep the airway open while you sleep, without surgery, appliances, or downtime. Our goal is to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and wake up feeling truly refreshed.
Ready to finally get a good night’s sleep?
If snoring, fatigue, or restless nights have been holding you back, don’t ignore the signs. Contact Goehring Dental today to explore personalized treatment options to help you breathe easier, snore less, and finally feel rested.
Schedule a consultation today by giving us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below. Together, we can make restless nights and snoring a thing of the past!
