Insomia
Do you regularly experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Are you frequently tired or groggy when your alarm goes off in the morning? These are all telltale symptoms of insomnia which has been connected to sleep apnea. At Breathe and Thrive in St. Croix Falls, WI, Debi Kuntz, helps patients receive the care they require to obtain a better night’s sleep. If you’re tired of counting sheep, make an appointment by calling the office at [phone] or requesting an appointment here.
Insomnia Q&A
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Insomnia makes it difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep. It can also cause you to wake up early and prevent you from falling back to sleep.
Over time, insomnia can drain your energy and make even simple tasks, such as running errands or visiting with friends, seem impossible. Left unmanaged, insomnia also increases your risk of more serious health problems, including heart disease.
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
The symptoms of insomnia vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause. However, telltale signs of insomnia include:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
- Headaches
- Ongoing worries about sleep
- Not feeling rested
If you suffer from insomnia that lasts for weeks or even months, you might also notice that you’re more prone to accidents and forgetfulness.
Can sleep apnea cause insomnia?
Yes. Sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of insomnia. When you have sleep apnea, you wake up multiple times throughout the night in order to breathe.
At first, this might seem like an annoyance, but over time, it can prevent you from sleeping deeply and achieving a rejuvenating, restful sleep. Sleep apnea also increases your risk of more serious health problems, including heart attacks and diabetes.
How is insomnia diagnosed?
If you suspect you’re suffering from insomnia as a result of sleep apnea, make an appointment with a trusted medical professional.
As a dentist, Dr. Kuntz can’t diagnose sleep apnea, but he does know how to spot the signs and symptoms. If Dr. Kuntz suspects sleep apnea is the source of your insomnia, he can refer you to a medical doctor who conducts sleep studies.
After you receive a diagnosis, Dr. Kuntz works with you and your physician to formulate an treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs.
How is insomnia treated?
If your insomnia is the result of sleep apnea, Dr. Kuntz offers conservative, non-invasive alternative treatments to provide relief. For mild or moderate cases of sleep apnea, Dr. Kuntz might recommend a custom oral appliance to move your bottom jaw forward to promote airflow.
You might also be a candidate for NightLase therapy, a non-invasive laser treatment that uses warmth to tighten the soft tissue in the back of your throat and soft palate and open the airway.
Living with insomnia isn’t always easy, but it’s possible to treat it once you understand the underlying cause. Take the first step and make an appointment at Breathe and Thrive by calling the office at (715) 557-4839 or requesting an appointment here.