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503-391-9558

Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Sleep Apnea
  • What is Sleep Apnea?
  • Causes and Symptoms
  • Sleep Apnea in Children
  • PTSD and Sleep Apnea
  • Exercise & Sleep Apnea
  • Sleep Apnea & Your Relationship

There are a number of causes and risk factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Likewise, the condition causes symptoms that affect all parts of the body. However, lack of awareness on the part of patients often allows sleep apnea to go unnoticed and undiagnosed. As a result, the symptoms often worsen, quickly impacting an individual’s quality of life.

At Riverbend Sleep, our Salem dentist focuses on helping you understand the main causes and symptoms of sleep apnea so that you can identify potential warning signs on your own. By coordinating diagnosis and treatment with your physician, Dr. Aldrich can help you find solutions for these symptoms.

A man sleeping on his back with arrows showing arrow in his airways

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition that people of any age or gender can develop. It occurs when your airway is obstructed, blocking your airway and waking you up from your sleep.

While it can be prevented, some people are more prone to the disorder than others. Risk factors for sleep apnea include family history, obesity, enlarged throat or tongue tissues, or bone deformities.

Although women are also at risk of developing sleep apnea, men are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. Older men are more likely to get it than anyone else.

Understanding the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Do you find yourself waking up frequently throughout the night? Not getting enough sleep can make everyday tasks more difficult, as well as make you a more irritable and unhappy person. It’s crucial that you contact our practice to be evaluated for sleep apnea if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Experiencing little to no sleep at night — sleep apnea can wake you up multiple times throughout the night, making it difficult to fall back asleep
  • Being tired throughout the day — even though you’re going to bed at a decent time, you may still feel tired the next day
  • Difficulty concentrating — lack of sleep can make it hard to focus on your daily tasks
  • Forgetfulness — even if you’re not normally a forgetful person, sleep apnea can make you feel groggy and unable to remember things
  • Experiencing chest pain and heartburn during sleep — your body needs sleep to remain healthy, so lack of it can cause health problems
  • Frequent headaches — sleep deprivation can cause bodily aches and pains
A woman sitting backwards on a couch and resting her chin on her hands

Seeking Treatment from Dr. Aldrich

Sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems as well as negatively affect your relationships, which is why we recommend contacting us at (503) 391-9558 to receive treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
Can sleep apnea be permanently cured?
What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is caused by a blockage in the airway due to relaxation of the muscles in the back of your throat. There are several factors that may increase your risk of sleep apnea, like being male and older in age. Additional factors include:

  • Excess weight
  • A narrowed airway
  • Neck circumference
  • Family history
  • Nasal congestion
  • Medical conditions 
  • Smoking and use of alcohol
  • Certain medications
Can sleep apnea be permanently cured?
There are a number of treatments and lifestyle changes that can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and tackle the condition. Treatment may include a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, myofunctional therapy, surgery, and more. After getting a proper diagnosis, your doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Natural remedies to help manage your symptoms include losing weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and positional therapy.

Contact Dr. Aldrich

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Call 503-391-9558

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been part of our dental family for years, our dental office offers comfortable and compassionate care to every patient that walks through the door. Contact our Salem dentist today to schedule an appointment and see how our sleep apnea treatments can help you sleep better.

Riverbend Sleep

By Appointment Only.
Monday: 8AM- 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM-5PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-12PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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503-391-9558

Michelle Aldrich, DMD, D.ABDSM
1285 Wallace Road NW
Salem, OR 97304