Sleep apnea is a disorder that can cause several health issues to develop over time. Your breathing may become shallow while you are sleeping or stop completely. When this occurs, you briefly wake up to start breathing normally again. This can occur many times a night, causing significant disturbances to your sleep patterns. At Jeremy D. McConnell, MD, in Bradenton, FL, you can discuss sleep apnea symptoms and begin the treatment you need to get a better night of rest.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

If you always feel tired despite a whole night's sleep, you might be experiencing sleep apnea during the night. When you don't feel rested or need to nap in the middle of the day, these are signs you are not getting the rest you need. Loud snoring or waking yourself up from snoring can be sleep apnea symptoms. A dry mouth in the morning can indicate you are sleeping with your mouth wide open, an issue that occurs with sleep apnea.

The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Your Health

When you leave sleep apnea untreated, there are a number of health complications you might experience. Not getting good rest at night can result in insulin resistance, making you more likely to develop type II diabetes as you get older. Sleep apnea can cause issues with your heart and cardiovascular system, leading to heart disease or stroke.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Being overweight can lead to sleep apnea, especially if you have a larger neck than usual. Losing weight can reverse sleep apnea, although it doesn't always cure it. Treatment may involve using a CPAP machine at night, which uses air to keep your airway open. Jaw surgery may be recommended to keep your airway open, while treatment for allergies may be useful in managing your sleep apnea. Your healthcare provider needs to determine why your sleep apnea occurs so that a specific treatment plan can be developed for you.

Contact Our Office Today for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bradenton, FL

If you are having trouble getting through your daily life because of exhaustion, it's time to work with a sleep specialist who can help. Call Jeremy D. McConnell, MD, your Florida sleep specialist, in Bradenton, FL, at 941-792-8383 or at our Sarasota office at 941-827-0701 and set up your first appointment. Learn more about how sleep apnea occurs and what you can do to treat your sleep apnea.