Do You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

If you suspect you or a family member may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), you should consult our office. While treatment options are available, a proper diagnosis is the first step. It is also important to note that the risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In addition, it can cause daytime sleepiness that results in accidents, lost productivity, depression, and problems in your relationships with others. If you feel you may have sleep apnea, answer the following questions and then share your responses with our office. This simple action could save your life.

• Are you a loud, habitual snorer?
• Do you regularly feel un-refreshed, even after waking from 8 to 10 hours of sleep?
• Has anyone ever witnessed you choking, gasping, or holding your breath during sleep?
• Do you find yourself falling asleep easily throughout your day at home or at work?
• Do you often suffer from poor concentration or judgment, memory loss, irritability, and/or depression?
• Are you 15 pounds over the normal weight range for your height and/or does your neck measure more than 17 inches if you are male or 16 inches if you are female?

While your responses to the above questions do not provide a diagnosis, they will serve as important factors that we will use to make a diagnosis. To learn more read the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sleep Disorders & Dentistry.”