Insomnia

What is Insomnia and How Does it Connect with Dental Issues?

nsomnia is a sleep disorder in which you cannot consistently fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia looks different from one person to the next, but it is a serious condition that needs addressing as soon as possible. Your rest is a critical part of overall health and wellness and failing to get sufficient, high-quality sleep can lead to a spiral of health problems.

Some of the symptoms of insomnia include:

Trouble falling asleep
Frequent waking during the night
Trouble falling back asleep once interrupted
Feeling tired upon waking
Waking up earlier than necessary

If you notice these changes, schedule an appointment with your physician to determine the cause of your insomnia.

How are Sleep Issues Diagnosed?

Your doctor can help you get to the bottom of your sleep issues. In some cases, a medical condition or certain medications are to blame, and addressing those issues can lead to relief.

Sleep apnea is a common cause of insomnia. This condition is characterized by relaxed muscles in your throat that block your airway during sleep. Deprived of oxygen, your body periodically gasps or jerks to restore airflow.

While these actions may not cause you to fully awaken, they disrupt your sleep, sometimes thousands of times a night. That prevents you from getting the rest your body needs.

A sleep study, in which trained professionals evaluate your sleep habits, diagnoses sleep apnea. Special equipment measures your breathing and level of sleep, giving you a snapshot of what happens during a normal night.