If people at home are complaining about your snoring or you routinely wake up feeling breathless, chances are you are suffering from sleep disordered breathing (SDB.) It can cause significant imbalances in your health if left unchecked or undiagnosed. So what is this clinical issue, and in what ways can you diagnose it?
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms may vary by patient. But these are the indicators you should be aware of, along with how your dental professional can properly diagnose your condition. Understanding the contributing factors and knowing when to seek help means you'll be breathing easier in no time.
One of the most common symptoms includes breathing issues while you rest. For example, you might find yourself breathing shallowly or gasping in your sleep. Here are a few other symptoms you could be experiencing with SDB.
Maybe you're having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. And you could be experiencing sleeping extremes, either barely resting at all or oversleeping. For others, the difficulty in breathing leaves them overly tired throughout the day, even dozing off at work.
You Wake Up with a Dry Mouth
After you wake up from deep sleep, you might feel very thirsty and experience a dry mouth. Sometimes, your eyes might feel dry and itchy, too, from not achieving restful sleep. Consistent dryness can be a symptom of SDB.
Do you find it hard to remember small details? If you are not sleeping enough, your brain might be unable to store or recall short-term memories. If forgetfulness is a growing problem, it could be a sign of SDB.
Has your sleeping partner noticed your difficulty breathing? They complain about having their sleep disrupted because you have trouble breathing or are snoring loudly. If so, you might suffer from sleep disordered breathing (SDB) problems.
Do you often wake up feeling a throbbing pain on your forehead? A morning like this is usually due to disrupted sleep the night before. And if your sleep was disrupted due to feeling breathless or experiencing a gasping sensation, it's a clear sign of SDB.
Now that you know the crucial symptoms of sleep disordered breathing, it is best to learn about its diagnosis process. Usually, your diagnosis will depend on your specific symptoms. Moreover, you can expect a thorough review of your:
Other lab tests include monitoring several factors while you sleep, such as:
These results help diagnose SDB and other related health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
So if any or multiple symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are your nightly issue, it is time to consult a specialized dental professional for the best help. So call us today at (925) 930-8465 to book your appointment! You can also visit this page for appointments and other details.
