Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. Snoring is one of the most significant indicators of sleep apnea, so if your bed partner's snoring is keeping you awake at night, it may be to their benefit if you pay close attention and help them identify sleep apnea.
Snoring
Not all snoring is indicative of sleep apnea. It is the snoring that is extremely loud and keeps you awake at night to which you should pay attention. If the snoring suddenly stops, it could be that they've stopped breathing, so listen more closely.
Waking Throughout the Night
If your partner is suffering from sleep apnea, the lack of oxygen is triggering their brain to wake them up during the night. This can happen multiple and even hundreds of times throughout the night. Their snoring may be interrupted by waking with a cough or sputtering sound.
Other Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If your partner suffers from chronic fatigue or exhaustion throughout the day, this may be a symptom of sleep apnea. Frequent headaches or migraines, especially waking with them is another tell-tale sign of sleep apnea.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Irvine
The standard of care for treating sleep apnea is CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy. However, many people are not comfortable wearing the CPAP device because it requires them to wear a mask while they sleep. The mask can feel claustrophobic for some patients, while others complain that the machine is too loud.
Dr. Jeffrey C. Robertson offers alternative sleep apnea treatment in Irvine, CA. He creates custom appliances that can be worn at night while you're sleeping, much like a retainer. The device is uniquely designed to slightly reposition your jaw to open your airway for clear breathing throughout the night.
If you suspect your loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, don't hesitate to contact our office today to learn more about how Dr. Robertson can help.