Waking up groggy, irritable, or with a dull headache might not just be a sign of a bad night’s rest. It could also be a red flag for sleep apnea.
Many people live with this condition without realizing it, chalking up their problems to stress or poor sleep habits. Unaddressed sleep apnea can cause serious health challenges, though, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics in Spokane, WA, Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins offer custom oral appliances that make breathing at night easier. With over 25 years of experience, they’ve earned a reputation for compassionate care and clinical excellence.
This blog outlines well-known indicators of sleep apnea and explains how dentists can be essential to your treatment.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed because the symptoms appear after you leave the bedroom. If you deal with any of the following regularly, it may be time to seek professional support:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue, even after getting 7–8 hours of sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings or irritability
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
Talking to your partner is helpful if you’re unsure of your symptoms. They can let you know how severe your snoring is or if you’ve ever stopped breathing during the night. Many people aren’t aware of these issues until someone else points them out.
How Dentists Can Help With Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is commonly associated with sleep clinics and CPAP machines. However, dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide an alternative: oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliances are small, custom-fit devices that are worn during sleep. They gently shift the jaw forward to keep the airway open. Benefits include:
- Less snoring
- Easier breathing
- Better quality sleep
- No bulky equipment or hoses
At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, oral appliances are fitted for maximum comfort and function. Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins have advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute and ensure each patient receives precise and effective care.
Get Better Sleep Tonight
Do you suspect sleep apnea is disrupting your nights and draining your days? Help is closer than you think. With a simple evaluation, Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics can determine whether an oral appliance is right for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation in South Hill (509-532-1111) or Spokane Valley (509-927-2273).
