Chronic headaches are unquestionably difficult to endure and can likely impact both your productivity and free time. They are quite common and arise due to a variety of causes, but perhaps one of the most overlooked of these is sleep apnea, which itself is another widespread condition.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common issue in which repeated interruptions in your breathing cause you to jolt awake at night. Some of the most common signs of sleep apnea include snoring, gasping during sleep, and feeling tired throughout the day. Not only is dealing with the condition unpleasant, but it also leads to some serious health risks.

When you stop breathing, however briefly, due to sleep condition, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which is what causes you to wake up so suddenly. These frequent re-awakenings disrupt your deep sleep. In turn, you’ll feel tired and exhausted the next day, even though you might think you had a full night of sleep.

Some long-term impacts of untreated sleep apnea include a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. With that in mind, receiving an early diagnosis is essential to ensure you get the treatment you need to reduce such risks.

Link Between Sleep Apnea and Headaches

One of the key reasons this sleep condition leads to chronic headaches is the reduced level of oxygen you experience. Low oxygen affects blood vessels in the brain and leads to tension and pain, which could be why you experience headaches on waking.

Frequent pauses in breathing due to sleep apnea can have a lasting impact on your cardiovascular system as well. Your body can’t expel carbon dioxide properly during sleep apnea events. A buildup of carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream may lead to more frequent and intense headaches.

Living with this sleep condition puts you at serious risk of developing chronic migraines as well.

Identifying the symptoms of sleep apnea-related headaches.

It’s often difficult to track down exactly what the cause of any individual headache may be. Nevertheless, you may be able to make a solid guess by paying close attention to the timing of your headaches. If you experience them most frequently in the morning, then sleep apnea could be a prime suspect. 

Similarly, waking up feeling unrested, and being tired throughout your day is another key sign of this sleep condition. If you feel weary, have difficulty concentrating or remembering, or are easily irritated, sleep apnea is a potential cause. 

A dry mouth or sore throat upon waking also indicates that this sleep condition is likely. You may have others in your home notice that you snore loudly or gasp during sleep. Since most people with sleep apnea don’t recall episodes of waking, someone else being angry about having to hear you snore could, in fact, be how you find out.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a device that provides constant airflow via a mask to ensure that your airway stays open during sleep. 

The problem, however, is that many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable. The noise and potential dry mouth caused by them often lead to patients simply deciding against using the machines altogether.

In many cases, lifestyle changes are a more effective long-term means of managing this sleep condition. Weight loss, for instance, is often an effective way to deal with the condition, as obesity is a major risk factor.

Introducing the PX3 mouth guard as a solution.

Another excellent option for sleep apnea treatment is the PX3 mouth guard, a custom-fitted oral appliance that keeps your lower jaw in the right position to keep your airway open during sleep.

The PX3 is less cumbersome and more discreet than a CPAP machine in that it doesn’t cause any irritating noise. Patients, therefore, are more likely to stick with it and see genuine improvements in their condition.

Furthermore, the PX3 is proven to be highly effective in mild-to-moderate sleep apnea cases. You can enjoy a good night’s sleep and avoid the long-term health risks related to this sleep condition with this simple device, and all you need to do to get one is schedule an appointment with your trusted local dentist.

Finding Relief From Your Sleep Apnea

If you suffer from chronic headaches, this sleep condition is one potential cause, especially if you show other sleep apnea symptoms, like excessive snoring. Schedule an appointment with us at Dallas Cosmetic Dental to find out if sleep apnea could be the case behind your discomfort and to explore treatment options like the PX3 mouth guard.