Orthodontic Associates want to know: Are you suffering from sleep disorders?

Sleep apnea, a condition in which folks repeatedly stop breathing at night, can occur as many as 20 to 30 times an hour. Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski will tell you sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that, if left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke.

There are two kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive apnea and central apnea, and the preferred method of treating the condition is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which includes a mask, tubes and a fan. A CPAP device uses air pressure to push your tongue forward and open your throat, allowing air to pass through your throat.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give our team a call as soon as possible.

* Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
* Loud snoring at night
* Waking up at night short of breath
* Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
* Headaches upon waking in the morning
* Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Have a great week everyone! We hope you had a GREAT Fourth of July weekend!