If you or someone you know suffers from a sleeping disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious issue that can cause serious problems if left untreated.

Dr. Carole Landman is a sleep medicine dentist who can help you or someone you know get a decent night’s sleep with alternative therapies for snoring and sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA is a serious condition that if left untreated can have dire consequences.

If you have not been diagnosed with the disorder, but suffer from the following it’s time to see your primary care physician.

• Loud snoring
• Waking up with dry mouth
• Waking up gasping for breath
• Morning neck and headaches
• Witnessed cessation in breathing while sleeping
• Poor concentration and memory
• Waking up as much as 30 times every hour
• Restless sleep
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Loss of libido
• Problems staying awake during the day
• Insomnia

Even one of the above signs is reason to see your doctor. If you are diagnosed with a sleeping disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Carole Landman.

What Causes OSA?

According to your sleep medicine dentist in Chicago there is no specific cause. Although there are certain factors that can put you at risk.

Those factors include:

• Obesity
• Being Male
• Large Neck Size
• Being Menopausal
• Infected Tonsils and Adenoids
• Genetics
• A Narrow Throat
• A Round Head
• Drug Abuse
• Hypothyroidism
• Excess Hormone Growth
• Deviated Septum
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Alcohol Abuse

As previously mentioned anyone can have OSA, even children, but it is much more common in middle aged men and women who are menopausal.

The Problem with Sleeping Disorders

A lack of sleep will eventually catch up with you. That is why it is imperative that you get a diagnosis if you suspect you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

With that being said it isn’t just a lack of sleep that will cause you problems if you are diagnosed with OSA.

Other issues include:

• COPD
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Certain types of Cancer
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Abnormal Heart Rhythm
• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart Failure

As you can see getting a diagnosis is imperative. If you have already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea but aren’t happy with your treatment call a dentist in Chicago.

Getting the treatment you need is crucial, especially when it comes to OSA. Schedule an appointment with Landman and Associates today.